Safe Mode Cross Slide System for Onsite Industrial Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machining of industrial equipment, such as flange connections, is prone to operator error, safety risks, and increased production downtime due to the need for manual operation and removal of equipment to a machine shop, especially in hazardous environments.
Innovation Solution
A safe mode cross slide system with a cross slide configuration including a back plate, front plate, and servo motors, which allows for precise machining without manual intervention, using a communications hub and processor for bidirectional control, and can operate independently even without a wireless connection to prevent damage or injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional manual machining is used, then operator flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but operator safety is compromised and production downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cross slide system is equipped with automated control capabilities including servo motors, ball screws, and programmable logic that enable the system to perform machining operations autonomously without continuous manual intervention, thereby maintaining operational flexibility while eliminating safety risks associated with manual operation in hazardous environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system comprising servo motors, ball screws, and programmable logic controllers that precisely control the cross slide movements, substituting human operators with automated mechanical systems to improve safety while maintaining operational capability
2Manufacturing precision
If equipment is removed to a machine shop for machining, then machining can be performed, but production downtime increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cross slide system is designed as a portable, multi-functional machining device that can be deployed at various locations including onsite at process equipment, eliminating the need to transport equipment to a fixed machine shop while maintaining precise machining capabilities through its self-contained motorized drive system and tool holder assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions machining operations from a fixed location (machine shop) to a mobile platform that can be positioned at the point of need, adding the dimension of mobility and portability to the machining system, thereby eliminating transportation time and enabling onsite machining operations
3Manufacturing precision
If automated control systems are implemented, then operator safety and machining precision are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated control system is segmented into modular functional components including servo motors for drive control, ball screws for precise positioning, programmable logic controllers for automation, and separate tool holder assemblies, allowing each component to be independently optimized and maintained while collectively achieving high machining precision
Data Source
AI summary
A sale mode cross slide system having a cross slide with a hack plate, a front plate and a saddle. The back plate can have a pair of end caps, a pair of linear guides, a first ball screw, a first gear box, a first servo motor, a first drive, and a first manual feed knob and the front plate can have a pair of end caps, a pair of linear guides, a second ball screw, a second gear box, a second servo motor, a second drive, and a second manual feed knob. The system can have a power supply, a communications hub with a processor and data storage.