Ninety-Degree Spindle Mounting Assembly for Automatic Tool Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
CNC machining processes are typically halted for manual tool changes, requiring stoppages for power connections and tool installation, which limits efficiency and flexibility in using various tools.
Innovation Solution
A ninety-degree mounting assembly for air spindles that allows for automatic tool exchange and flexible tool usage, featuring a rotatable insertable top portion, a sleeve with fluid communication, and an arcuate-shaped channel for exhaust air, enabling continuous machining with reduced manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tool changes are used with power connections, then tool exchange can be performed, but machining must be stopped and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is pre-configured with pneumatic connections and power links before tool exchange occurs. The air spindle maintains continuous pneumatic supply through pre-established fluid passages, eliminating the need to stop machining for connection establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly acts as an intermediary device between the CNC machine and the air spindle. It provides continuous pneumatic and electrical connections through its structure, allowing tool exchange without interrupting the machining process or requiring manual connection management.
2Use of energy by moving object
If tools are pre-connected to pneumatic source, then power connection is available, but manual engagement with CNC machine is required
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly merges the pneumatic connection system with the mechanical mounting structure. The fluid passages are integrated into the mounting assembly body, combining pneumatic supply and mechanical support into a single unified component that eliminates separate connection steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly automatically maintains pneumatic connections through its integrated design. The fluid passages self-align and maintain connection during tool exchange without requiring manual intervention to establish or maintain pneumatic supply to the air spindle.
3Reliability
If CNC machine stops for tool installation, then proper power link can be established, but machining cycle is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly enables continuous pneumatic supply and power connection throughout the tool exchange process. The integrated fluid passages and electrical contacts remain actively connected during the entire machining cycle, eliminating interruptions and maintaining continuous useful action.
4Extent of automation
If automatic tool changer is used, then tool exchange is automated, but machine must stop for power connections
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical mounting support, continuous pneumatic supply through integrated passages, and electrical connection. This multi-functionality allows automated tool exchange to occur without sacrificing machining continuity or requiring separate power connection steps.
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
Facilitates uninterrupted machining and enhances flexibility in using various tools by enabling automatic tool exchange and efficient power connection, improving overall machining efficiency and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The port of the sleeve provides fluid communications with the passage of the insertable top portion. The sidewall slot is in fluid communication with the arcuate-shape channel to allow exhaust air from the spindle to pass into the sidewall slot through the arcuate-shape channel.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel mounting assembly used with an air spindle is described. The mounting assembly includes an insertable top portion for inserting into a mounting collar and to be rotatable therein, the insertable top portion formed with an upper disk shape with a first diameter and a lower disk shape with a second diameter and adjacent to the upper disk shape, an outer circumference of the upper disk shape having a groove formed therein, and the upper disk shape and the lower disk shape having a passage axially formed therethrough perpendicular to the groove. The mounting assembly further includes a sleeve disposed below the insertable top portion, the sleeve defining an opening with a sidewall which is perpendicular to the insertable top portion, the opening sized to hold a spindle, a port inside a wall of the sleeve defining the opening providing fluid communications with the passage of the insertable top portion.