Spring Forming Machine Servo Interlock for Independent Tool Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spring forming machines require significant time and effort for individual adjustments of movable parts like the forming tool, pitch tool, and cored bar due to interdependent movements.

Innovation Solution

A spring forming machine with independent position control of movable parts using servo motors and a controller that allows for individual adjustment of the forming tool, pitch tool, and cored bar positions, utilizing a crank mechanism and ball screw system for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the cored bar is moved by individual adjustment using servo motors, then the position of the cored bar can be adjusted, but the pitch tool is also moved accordingly, requiring additional time and effort for adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the control of movable parts by introducing independent servo motors for each component (forming tool, pitch tool, cutting tool, and cored bar). This allows each part to be adjusted independently without affecting others, resolving the coupling problem where moving the cored bar would also move the pitch tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic control where the interlocking control unit can dynamically adjust the relationship between components. When individual adjustment is needed, the control unit prevents coupled movement; when synchronized movement is needed, the interlocking function activates. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between positioning precision and adjustment time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If individual adjustment of movable parts is performed, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but the complexity of the control system increases due to multiple servo motors and interlocking control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interlocking control unit serves multiple functions: it manages individual adjustment of each component, controls synchronized movement when needed, and coordinates the operation of multiple servo motors. This multi-functional control unit reduces the need for separate complex control systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the interlocking control unit monitors the positions and movements of all movable parts and adjusts control signals accordingly. This feedback ensures precise positioning while managing system complexity through intelligent coordination rather than purely mechanical interlocking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 easy and precise individual adjustment of movable parts, reducing the time and effort required for positioning, thereby improving the efficiency of the spring forming process.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a crank mechanism and ball screw system for precise positioning

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBall screw mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a crank mechanism and ball screw system for precise positioning

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrank mechanism: Crankshaft

Data Source

PatentEP4066959B1Spring forming machine
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 ASAHI SEIKI INDUSTRIES
  • EP4066959B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4066959B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4066959B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A spring forming machine (10) of the present disclosure includes an interlocking control unit (70B) that interlocks servo motors (91, 95) so that a slider (53) of a first lifting mechanism (41) is not lifted and lowered with respect to a fixing base (11) along with lifting and lowering of a lifting base (15) with respect to the fixing base (11) when the servo motor (95) of the lifting base (15) is individually operated, and does not interlock the servo motors (91, 95) when the servo motor (91) of the first lifting mechanism (41) is individually operated.