Steady Rest Guide Structure for Variable-Section Workpiece Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steady rests for mechanical workpieces, particularly in turning and milling, are inflexible and can only support workpieces of specific dimensions due to fixedly arranged support devices, limiting their ability to accommodate workpieces with significantly different cross-sectional dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A steady rest device with movably mounted support devices on a base body that can translate along defined paths, allowing for flexible positioning and accommodating workpieces of varying dimensions, while maintaining the ability for machining tools to pass through without interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If support devices are fixedly arranged on the steady rest base body, then the structure is simple and stable, but the device can only support workpieces of specific dimensions and lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The support devices are made movable relative to the base body through guide sections and guide elements that enable translation along defined paths. This dynamic arrangement allows the support devices to be repositioned for different workpiece dimensions while maintaining structural stability through constrained motion paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The steady rest is divided into a base body and separate movable support devices. This segmentation allows the support devices to be independently positioned and adjusted along the base body, providing flexibility for different workpiece dimensions without requiring complete redesign of the entire structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If support devices are made movable to accommodate different workpiece dimensions, then adaptability improves, but the risk of damaging guide sections and guide elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
Damper elements are integrated into the support devices to provide shock absorption and cushioning during movement. This beforehand cushioning protects the guide sections and guide elements from damage caused by impacts or excessive forces, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If support devices are positioned for different workpiece dimensions, then versatility improves, but the time required to reposition devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support devices are designed with movable mounting on guide sections that allow quick repositioning along defined paths. This dynamic capability enables rapid adjustment to different workpiece dimensions without time-consuming reconfiguration, reducing the loss of time while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A steady rest (1) for supporting a workpiece (2) to be machined, in particular by machining, and in particular an elongated workpiece, comprising: a steady rest body (3) that can be arranged in a device for the mechanical machining of a workpiece to be machined, at least one support device (4, 5) arranged or formed on the steady rest body (3) and designed to support a workpiece to be machined, which comprises at least one support element (6, 7) supporting a workpiece (2) to be supported, wherein the at least one support device (4, 5) is arranged or formed on the steady rest body (3) in at least one degree of freedom of movement defining a path of movement (B1, B2).