Rotating Edge Machining Tool for Slag-Rough Steel Sheet Edges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining systems face challenges in efficiently machining the edges of steel sheets with uneven structures generated by laser or plasma cutters, as auxiliary members can get caught by the uneven edges, hindering smooth movement and increasing machining time for both edges.

Innovation Solution

A machining system and method featuring a rotating tool with separate machining portions for upper and lower edges, along with a vertical moving unit to adjust the position of an upper surface abutting member, allowing for simultaneous and efficient machining of both edges without interference from uneven structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the rotating tool is moved while abutting the auxiliary member against the work surface, then the rotating tool can be moved stably, but the auxiliary member may be caught by the uneven structure to hinder smooth movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of rotating tool movementVSAvoidsmooth movement of rotating tool
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating tool is divided into separate machining portions: a first machining portion for machining the upper edge and a second machining portion for machining the lower edge. This segmentation allows each portion to independently perform its function without interference from uneven structures on the work surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a vertical dimension by positioning the second machining portion above the first machining portion in the vertical direction. This spatial arrangement in three-dimensional space allows the tool to machine both upper and lower edges simultaneously or sequentially without the auxiliary member contacting the uneven work surface, thus maintaining smooth movement while preserving stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the rotating tool machines edges on both sides of the work, then complete edge machining is achieved, but the machining time tends to be long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of edge machiningVSAvoidmachining time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of two separate machining operations (upper edge machining and lower edge machining) into a single rotating tool assembly. The first machining portion and second machining portion are integrated on the same tool body, allowing both edges to be machined in one setup without requiring tool changes or repositioning, thereby reducing total machining time while ensuring complete edge machining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating tool is designed to machine both the upper and lower edges continuously during a single pass. The vertical arrangement of machining portions enables uninterrupted machining action, eliminating idle time between operations and maintaining continuous productive work throughout the machining cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS10888934B2Machining system and machining method
Publication Date: 2021.01.12 HIRATA CORPORATION
  • US10888934B2 patent drawing
  • US10888934B2 patent drawing
  • US10888934B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A machining system includes a machining unit and a moving apparatus configured to move the machining unit. The machining unit includes a rotating tool for rotating about an axis in a vertical direction, an upper surface abutting member configured to be abutted against an upper surface of a work, an end face abutting member configured to be abutted against an end face of the work between an upper edge and an lower edge of the work, and a vertical moving unit configured to change a position of the upper surface abutting member in the vertical direction with respect to the rotating tool. The rotating tool includes a machining portion main body, a first machining portion provided on a lower side of the machining portion main body, and a second machining portion provided on an upper side of the machining portion main body.