Rotating Workpiece Support Column for Compact Multi-Operation Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machine tools for machining elongate workpieces, such as crankshafts and camshafts, are limited by their size and complexity, which hampers productivity and flexibility, especially in performing multiple machining operations like turning, milling, and drilling, due to the need for stability and torque transfer, and loading/unloading processes are time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring a rotatable workpiece support column that allows simultaneous machining of multiple workpieces by rotating them around a vertical axis, enabling different angles of attack between tools and workpieces, and incorporating retractable jaw chucks for efficient torque application and reduced axial extension, facilitating complete machining along the workpiece length without shifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a lathe layout with substantial axial extension is used to ensure stability and torque transfer for turning operations, then machining precision and reliability are improved, but machine size and complexity increase, reducing productivity and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional horizontal lathe layout to a vertical machining center layout. The workpiece is positioned vertically between spindles, and the cutting tools approach from horizontal directions. This dimensional change allows torque transfer and stability without requiring substantial axial extension, thereby reducing machine size while maintaining machining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed as a multi-functional machining center that can perform turning, milling, drilling, and other operations using a unified vertical spindle system. Instead of requiring separate lathes and machining centers, this universal machine consolidates multiple functions, reducing overall machine complexity and space requirements while maintaining precision across different operations.
2Productivity
If multiple machining operations are performed on separate production lines to ensure high productivity and reliability, then output quality is improved, but the number of machines and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate machining operations (turning, milling, drilling, reaming) into a single integrated machining center. Multiple spindles and tooling systems are combined in one machine, allowing all operations to be performed on a workpiece within a single setup. This consolidation maintains high productivity and reliability while reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate production lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The machining center is designed with universal capability to perform diverse machining operations using a coordinated system of spindles, tool holders, and control systems. This multi-functional design allows one machine to replace several specialized machines, simplifying the overall production system while maintaining high output quality through integrated processing.
3Strength
If traditional chucks with hydraulic cylinders are used for clamping workpieces, then gripping force and stability are improved, but axial extension increases, reducing machine compactness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hydraulic cylinder from the traditional chuck assembly and replaces it with a magnetically coupled drive system. The magnetic coupling mechanism transfers torque to the workpiece without requiring a bulky hydraulic cylinder, thereby maintaining strong gripping force and stability while significantly reducing axial extension and improving machine compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical-hydraulic clamping system with a magnetic coupling system. Electromagnetic fields are used to transfer torque and maintain gripping force, substituting the mechanical hydraulic cylinder with a more compact magnetic field-based mechanism that achieves the same gripping strength with minimal axial extension.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool for the machining of elongate workpieces includes a workpiece support column having workpiece support components for supporting a first workpiece and second workpiece support components for supporting a second workpiece. The first workpiece support component and the second workpiece support component are arranged for supporting the first workpiece vertically above the second workpiece. The workpiece support column is rotatable around a vertical axis so as to shift the workpieces between the machining station and a station for loading and unloading of workpieces. The workpiece support component include a drive element for applying torque to the workpieces for machining of the workpieces by turning. A motor and chuck assembly and a method of machining workpieces are related.