Split-Frame Lathe Assembly for In-Place Cylindrical Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial applications face challenges in refurbishing or repairing cylindrical items like pipes or shafts, as their removal for maintenance is time-consuming and costly, often requiring system shutdown.
Innovation Solution
A portable journal turning lathe system with a split frame configuration, featuring non-rotating steady assemblies on linear rails and a rotating tool carrier assembly, allows on-site mounting and machining of cylindrical items without disassembly, using a power source for axial and rotational movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cylindrical item is removed from the industrial system for repair, then the item can be refurbished or repaired, but the system must shut down and the process is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The lathe frame is divided into two separable sections that can be assembled around the cylindrical item in place. This segmentation allows the machining equipment to be installed without removing the item from the industrial system, enabling repair while maintaining system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool carrier assembly is designed to be movable along the linear rails, allowing dynamic adjustment of the tool position relative to the cylindrical item. This enables precise machining operations to be performed on-site without fixed installation constraints.
2Ease of manufacture
If a cylindrical item is removed for repair, then machining operations can be performed, but disassembly and transport are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lathe structure is segmented into movable and rotatable components that can be assembled around the cylindrical item without disassembling it from the industrial system. The split frame design allows the item to remain in place while the machining equipment is configured around it.
Solution Approach 2:
Linear rails serve as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed frame and the moving tool carrier, enabling smooth movement and positioning operations without requiring disassembly of the cylindrical item or complex direct mounting mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If a traditional lathe is used, then machining operations can be performed, but the device cannot be easily positioned on-site
Solution Approach 1:
The lathe is divided into modular sections including a split frame and a separately positioned tool carrier assembly. This modularity enables the equipment to be transported and assembled on-site around existing cylindrical items while maintaining machining precision through controlled movement along linear rails.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool carrier assembly moves along the linear rails in one dimension while the entire lathe structure can be positioned in other dimensions. This multi-dimensional mobility allows the precision machining equipment to be deployed flexibly to various on-site locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates performance of an operation on a cylindrical item, such as a tube or shaft. The technique utilizes a split frame device having separable sections to enable mounting of the split frame device about the cylindrical item while, for example, the cylindrical item remains in place in an overall system. The split frame device may comprise first and second non-rotating split frame steady assemblies supported by linear rails. A rotating tool carrier assembly is movably mounted on the linear rails between the first and second non-rotating split frame steady assemblies. The rotating tool carrier assembly may be positioned about the cylindrical item such that a rotatable component may be rotated about the cylindrical item. At least one power source may be used to impart axial movement to the rotating tool carrier assembly and/or rotational movement to the rotatable component for performance of a desired operation.