Multi-Axis Stone Surface Processing Toolhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for surface processing of hard materials like stone and metal have limited tool motion control, restricting the range of patterns that can be formed on the working surface, requiring inconvenient displacement operations and increasing processing times when different effects are needed on different areas.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a support structure that allows independent translational and rotational motions of cutting tools along multiple axes, enabled by a system of slides and actuator means, allowing for coordinated and interpolated motion control, and enabling different cutting parameters to be applied to various areas without stopping the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tool position is adjusted in several degrees of freedom to increase pattern variety, then the range of processing patterns is limited by coupled motions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine divides the tool motion control into four independent degrees of freedom: three translational motions (X, Y, Z axes) and one rotational motion (about the tool axis). Each degree of freedom is controlled by separate actuator means, allowing independent adjustment without coupling effects. This segmentation enables versatile pattern processing while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine employs dynamic adjustment capabilities where all four degrees of freedom can be modified during the processing operation. The actuator means enable real-time changes in tool position and orientation, allowing the system to adapt to different processing requirements without physical reconfiguration, thus increasing pattern variety while keeping the structure relatively simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cutting parameters are reset to achieve different effects on different areas, then the variety of surface patterns increases, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine maintains continuous processing by enabling dynamic adjustment of cutting parameters during operation. The four-degree-of-freedom actuator system allows the tool to transition between different cutting parameters without stopping the workpiece feed, ensuring continuous useful action. This eliminates idle time for parameter resetting while maintaining the ability to produce varied surface patterns across different areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic control system allows cutting parameters to be changed on-the-fly during processing. The independent actuator means can adjust tool position and orientation in real-time, enabling the machine to adapt to different processing requirements without interrupting the workflow, thus reducing processing time while maintaining pattern variety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the toolholder element is made rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the working surface, then the combinations of tool motions increase, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system segments the four degrees of freedom into independent control channels: three for translational motion (X, Y, Z) and one for rotation. Each channel has its own actuator means, simplifying the control architecture by avoiding the need to coordinate complex coupled motions. This segmentation increases motion combinations while keeping control complexity manageable through independent adjustment of each degree of freedom.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention finds application in the processing of stones and the like and particularly relates to a machine tool for surface processing of slabs or products having a flat surface of stone material or the like, which machine comprise a support structure (2) fitted with at least one toolholder element (3), with an axis of rotation (R1) that is substantially parallel to the working surface (S) and adapted to hold a plurality of cutting tools (6), first drive means (4) for rotating the toolholder element (3) about the axis of rotation (R1), movement means for imparting controlled motion to the toolholder element (3) relative to the working surface (S). The controlled motion means (7) comprise guide means (8) for imparting independent translational motions (x, y, w) to the toolholder element (3), along first and second directions (X, Y) substantially parallel to the working surface (S) and a third direction (W) substantially perpendicular to the other two directions, and second drive means (9) for imparting rotational motions ( 2) to the toolholder element (3), about an axis of revolution (R2) substantially parallel to the third direction (W).