Stacked Disk Tool Magazine for Fast Tool Change and Higher Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current machine tool tool magazines are not standardized, leading to high development and production costs and limited tool capacity, particularly in disk-type magazines, which require more time and space for tool changes.

Innovation Solution

A modularized disk-type tool magazine module with a ring-shaped magazine base and rotary shaft system that allows for vertical tool loading, enabling efficient rotation and increased tool capacity by stacking multiple bases, with a transfer system for easy tool exchange and oil collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a disk-type tool magazine is used, then the time required to exchange tools is short, but the number of tools capable of being loaded is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool exchange timeVSAvoidnumber of tools
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional single disk magazine to a three-dimensional stacked configuration with multiple disk magazines arranged vertically. This dimensional change allows the system to maintain the fast exchange capability of individual disk magazines while significantly increasing the total tool capacity through vertical stacking, thereby resolving the contradiction between quick tool exchange and high tool storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If a chain-type tool magazine is used, then an increased number of tools can be accommodated, but more time and installation space are required for changing tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of toolsVSAvoidtool exchange time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the tool magazine system into multiple independent disk magazine units that can operate separately. Each disk magazine maintains the fast exchange capability of the original design, while the segmented modular structure allows for increased total tool capacity through vertical stacking, avoiding the slow exchange times associated with chain-type magazines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If a standardized automatic tool-change system is applied, then cost and effort for design and manufacture are reduced, but the system must accommodate various mounting positions and machine tool structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign and production costVSAvoidmounting position flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the disk magazine with a universal mounting structure that can accommodate various mounting positions (upper part of main shaft, upper part or side part of column) and different machine tool configurations. The standardized interface and modular design enable the same magazine unit to be adapted to different locations and machine types, achieving both cost reduction through standardization and flexibility through universal mounting capability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3718688B1Machine tool and tool changer, the machine tool comprising a tool magazine module
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 HYUNDAI WIA CORP
  • EP3718688B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3718688B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3718688B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tool magazine module of the machine tool is disclosed. The tool magazine module includes: a rotary shaft rotating by being connected to a drive part providing a rotational force; a plurality of magazine bases having a disk shape and being provided with a central part connected to a rotary shaft to be rotated, the plurality of magazine bases loaded with a tool along a rim thereof, and mounted by being stacked on the rotary shaft; and a transfer system enabling the tools to be interchanged between any magazine base and a tool changer by moving in an up-and-down direction and a forward-and-backward direction on one side of the magazine base.