Spindle Drive Positioning for Shaping Machine Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bending machines require complex and restrictive setup processes for mass-producing bent parts, with limited positioning flexibility due to torque pickup from a central large gear wheel, making it difficult to position and convert material processing units precisely.
Innovation Solution
A material processing device with linearly displaceable units using a controllable spindle drive mechanism, featuring a threaded spindle and spindle nut that can alternate between idle and coupling states, allowing for automatic and precise positioning of material processing units along a linear guide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If torque is picked up from a central large gear wheel to drive bending units, then the forming movements are controlled, but the positioning flexibility of material processing units is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drive system into independent segments by replacing the centralized gear wheel drive with individual spindle drives for each material processing unit. Each unit has its own motor-driven spindle that can be independently controlled, allowing flexible positioning without being constrained by a central drive mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic positioning capability by equipping each material processing unit with an independently controllable spindle drive. This allows each unit to be dynamically positioned at different locations along the linear guide according to specific processing requirements, rather than being fixed in predetermined positions by a central gear mechanism.
2Ease of manufacture
If material processing units are positioned in predetermined target working positions using a central gear wheel, then the setup process is structured, but the conversion process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary positioning capability through the spindle drive mechanism, which can automatically move material processing units to predetermined target positions along the linear guide. This preliminary positioning feature simplifies the setup process by allowing units to be quickly placed in correct positions before production begins, and facilitates rapid conversion between different production configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical central gear wheel positioning system with an automated spindle drive system that uses motorized actuation. This substitution eliminates the complex mechanical linkages and predetermined hole patterns required by the gear wheel system, enabling faster repositioning and conversion through automated control.
3Productivity
If multiple material processing units are arranged linearly one behind the other, then the production flow is optimized, but the positioning and repositioning of individual units becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning control for each material processing unit by providing independent spindle drives for each unit. This segmentation allows each unit to be positioned and repositioned independently along the linear guide while maintaining the linear arrangement optimized for production flow, without being constrained by a centralized drive mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal positioning capability through the spindle drive mechanism, which can be applied to multiple different types of material processing units (punching presses, cutting devices, material feeds) arranged in series. Each unit benefits from the same independent positioning capability, allowing the entire production line to be flexibly configured while maintaining optimized linear flow.
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 solution simplifies the setup and conversion of forming machines by enabling rapid and precise positioning of material processing units, allowing for flexible and independent movement of multiple units, thereby facilitating quick retooling and adaptation to new production situations.
Implementation Method 1
the threaded spindle (201) and the spindle nut (214) which can be alternately put into an idle operating state and a coupling operating state by means of a coupling device (223)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The machine (1) has a coupling unit arranged at an adjusting element i.e. large gear wheel, and controllable by a control device for optionally coupling the adjusting element with a support unit (23) of a shaping unit through an annular through hole (19), so that the adjusting element moves the support unit and the shaping unit along the annular through hole during a rotating movement in order to displace the shaping unit to a desired target operating position. The support unit is fixable at a mounting frame (5) for fixing the operating position.