Synchronous Clamp Rotation for Long Workpiece Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machining apparatuses for long workpieces require exclusive-use jigs, necessitate reverse rotation for full periphery machining, need extra space for conveyance, and interfere with holding devices, making automatic machining of irregularly shaped workpieces challenging.
Innovation Solution
A machining apparatus with clamp units that rotate synchronously around a horizontal axis, supported by free-rotating rollers and machining units that move along guides, allowing for 360° rotation without reverse rotation, and enabling automatic machining of held portions without additional space for conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional machining apparatuses use exclusive-use jigs to fix workpieces, then workpieces can be held in place, but the device complexity increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp units are designed with a universal clamping mechanism that can accommodate various workpiece shapes and sizes without requiring dedicated jigs. The clamp units include clamping bars that can be positioned and adjusted to secure different types of workpieces, making the apparatus adaptable to multiple machining scenarios while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp units are made movable along the horizontal axis rather than being fixed in position. This dynamic positioning capability allows the clamp units to adapt to different workpiece lengths and shapes, eliminating the need for exclusive-use jigs while maintaining secure workpiece fixation throughout the machining process.
2Device complexity
If conventional apparatuses machine only part of the periphery, then machining complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to reverse rotation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece is rotated 360 degrees around the horizontal axis during machining, enabling the cutting tools to access and machine the entire periphery of the workpiece in a single continuous operation. This rotational approach eliminates the need for reverse rotation and allows complete peripheral machining without interrupting the machining cycle.
3Ease of operation
If conventional apparatuses require extra space for workpiece conveyance, then workpiece handling is simplified, but the area of stationary object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece conveyance and positioning are achieved through movement along the horizontal axis rather than requiring additional longitudinal space. The clamp units and support units can move horizontally to position and secure the workpiece, allowing the apparatus to handle long workpieces within a compact footprint by utilizing horizontal dimensionality instead of extending the workspace length.
4Reliability
If conventional clamp devices hold workpieces, then workpiece positioning is achieved, but the held portions cannot be machined due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is segmented into movable clamp units that can be positioned at different locations along the workpiece. This segmentation allows the clamp units to hold portions of the workpiece that do not interfere with the machining zone, enabling automatic machining of the held portions while maintaining secure workpiece positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a base frame 12 positioned below a horizontal axis O; a pair of clamp units 14 positioned at the two ends above the base frame; a pair of support units 16 that horizontally support the long workpiece in two locations, and that are capable of moving vertically; and machining units 18 that are capable of machining the long workpiece. The two clamp units 14 are capable of moving from the outside toward the inside, which support the long workpiece in two locations, and rotate around the horizontal axis O in synchronization with each other.