Self-Aligning Machine-Tool Unit for Compact 3-Axis Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool units are not compact enough to allow simple spatial positioning of tools or workpieces, requiring intermediate elements for rotational degrees of freedom and resulting in instability and play.
Innovation Solution
A compact machine tool unit with a self-aligning bearing providing three rotational degrees of freedom, combined with pivot position and inclination adjustment devices, allows precise and stable mounting of the carrier on the base without intermediate elements, using spherical sliding surfaces and pressure/tension devices to compensate for play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If intermediate elements are used to provide rotational degrees of freedom between base and carrier, then the carrier can be positioned spatially, but the device becomes complex and unstable with play
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple rotational degree of freedom functions into a single bearing unit. The bearing unit provides three rotational degrees of freedom (pitch, roll, and yaw) that would otherwise require multiple intermediate elements, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining full spatial positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides three rotational degrees of freedom, supports the carrier, and enables compact design. This multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require several separate intermediate elements, each providing a single function.
2Ease of operation
If multiple intermediate elements are used for rotational freedom, then spatial adjustment is possible, but stability decreases due to play
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple rotational degree of freedom functions into a single bearing unit, the patent eliminates the cumulative play that would exist across multiple intermediate elements. The single bearing unit provides integrated support with minimal play, thereby improving stability while maintaining spatial adjustment capability.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented without intermediate elements, then the device size is reduced, but achieving three rotational degrees of freedom becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing unit is designed as a multi-functional component that provides three rotational degrees of freedom within a compact form factor. This single component achieves what would traditionally require multiple larger intermediate elements, thereby maintaining both compactness and full rotational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of spherical or articulated bearing designs enables three rotational degrees of freedom in a compact configuration. The spherical geometry naturally provides multiple rotational axes intersecting at a single point, achieving high adaptability within a small volume.
4Device complexity
If simple mounting without intermediate elements is used, then device complexity is reduced, but achieving stable support with play compensation becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing unit integrates play compensation mechanisms within its single-component structure. By combining support, rotational freedom, and play compensation functions into one unit, the patent achieves reliable play compensation without adding the complexity of multiple separate components.
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
Enables precise, stable, and compact mounting of tools or workpieces with reduced components, allowing for flexible curvature and inclination adjustments, enhancing machining precision and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The rotational degrees of freedom are realized by spherical sliding surfaces
Implementation Method 2
at least one pressure device is provided which pushes the support away from the base
Implementation Method 3
at least one tension device which pulls the support towards the base
Implementation Method 4
The bearing unit is designed in the form of a spherical or articulated bearing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machine tool unit (12) for aligning a tool (24) or a workpiece, having a base (14) for connection to a machine frame and having a carrier (16) movable relative to the base (14) for arranging the tool ( 24) or the workpiece, a bearing unit with at least two rotational degrees of freedom being provided for bearing the carrier (16) on the base (14).