Segmented Wedge Drive Guide for Long Tool Feed Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wedge drives face challenges with space constraints and wear issues due to the need for continuous sliding surfaces, which lead to vibrations and reduced precision when bridging longer distances, especially in complex production processes.

Innovation Solution

The wedge drive is enhanced by incorporating multiple sliding surfaces arranged one behind the other, allowing for an extended guide with the same overall height, enabling better distribution of forces and reduced wear, while allowing for adjustable angles and offsets to accommodate varying distances between the metalworking tool and the workpiece.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the metalworking tool is extended with an intermediate piece to bridge a longer distance, then the distance to the workpiece is increased, but lateral forces cause vibrations and deformations leading to high wear and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance to workpieceVSAvoidprecision and wear resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide is divided into multiple guide sections arranged one behind the other in the thrust direction, with each section containing sliding surfaces. This segmentation allows the slide element to be supported at multiple points along its length, preventing vibrations and deformations while maintaining precision over extended distances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If the wedge drive is made taller to extend the feed path, then the sliding surface area is increased, but the cycle tool cannot accommodate larger distances due to design-limited stroke

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesliding surface areaVSAvoidfeed path distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of extending the wedge drive vertically (one dimension), the guide sections are arranged sequentially in the thrust direction (another dimension), allowing extended feed paths within the existing vertical space constraints of the cycle tool.

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

3Productivity

If multiple wedge drives are combined in a single cycle tool, then production complexity increases, but space problems arise necessitating placement far from the contact point

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction complexityVSAvoiddistance from contact point
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The guide is segmented into multiple sections that can be independently configured, allowing multiple wedge drives to be compactly arranged within the cycle tool while maintaining adequate support for each metalworking tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design maintains precision and reduces wear, enabling more efficient use of space and increased integration of wedge drives within a cycle tool, allowing for longer slide elements and reduced manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the present invention relates to a wedge drive (10). The drive energy required for this is redirected in the direction of thrust X

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectKinetic energy redirection: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

The contact surfaces between the slide element and the slide element holder are covered with sliding surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

continuous, one-piece sliding surfaces made of high-quality sliding bearing materials are used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP4177491A1Wedge mechanism for reversibly actuating a metal working tool and cyclic tool for working on a workpiece
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 STRACK NORMA GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4177491A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4177491A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4177491A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a wedge drive (10) for reversibly advancing a metalworking tool (100), comprising a slide element receptacle (12) and a guide (14) for advancing in the thrust direction (X) of a slide element (16) supporting the tool (100) relative to the slide element receptacle (12) along a predetermined path, wherein the guide (14) for supporting the slide element (16) has a sliding surface (18) oriented in the thrust direction (X). To extend the feed path when the stroke of the metalworking tool (100) is limited by design, it is proposed that the guide (14) comprise at least two sliding surfaces (18) arranged one behind the other in the thrust direction (X). The present invention also relates to a cycle tool for machining a workpiece with a wedge drive (10).