Tailstock Device Low Thrust Control for Resin Workpieces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tailstock devices struggle to support workpieces made of low-strength materials like synthetic resin without excessive thrust, leading to deformation and reduced machining accuracy due to torque limitations set below the resistance values.

Innovation Solution

A tailstock device with a low thrust setting mechanism, display means, and disabling means that allows manual operation to apply a thrust lower than normal, using a manual pulse generator to adjust the servomotor's rotation and elastically deform the lead screw mechanism, ensuring the thrust is within the required range for low-strength workpieces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the torque limit value is set below the resistance values to prevent excessive thrust on low-strength workpieces, then the workpiece deformation is prevented, but the tailstock cannot be operated because the torque limit value is less than or equal to the sliding surface resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining accuracyVSAvoidtailstock operability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the torque limit value changeable during operation. The system transitions from a fixed torque limit set before operation to a dynamically adjustable torque limit that can be increased after tailstock contact with the workpiece is confirmed. This allows the system to adapt to different operational phases: using a low torque limit (first threshold) during approach to prevent deformation, then allowing higher torque (second threshold) after contact is established, thus resolving the contradiction between preventing deformation and enabling operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the torque limit value is set to enable tailstock operation (above resistance values), then the tailstock can be operated, but the thrust becomes excessive and deforms low-strength workpieces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetailstock operabilityVSAvoidmachining accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by setting a preliminary low torque limit value (first threshold) that is specifically designed to be lower than the resistance values. This preliminary setting prevents excessive thrust and workpiece deformation during the critical approach phase. The system performs this preliminary protection before the actual machining operation begins, and only after confirming contact does it allow the torque limit to increase to the second threshold, thus enabling operation without initial deformation risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables precise machining of low-strength workpieces by maintaining thrust within permissible limits, preventing deformation and improving machining accuracy while allowing for real-time adjustment and monitoring of the applied thrust.

Implementation Method 1

rotating the lead screw mechanism K slightly in this state elastically deforms the lead screw mechanism K, thereby the tailstock center 16 is pressed against the workpiece W by a low thrust

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2529863B1Tailstock device
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 YAMAZAKI MAZAK KK
  • EP2529863B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2529863B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2529863B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A control panel 21 has a display screen 22. An operator turns a low-thrust pressing key 28 ON in the menu key group 26 displayed on the display screen 22. In this state, the operator turns an operating dial 32 of a manual pulse generator 31, thereby causing an encoder 34 to generate pulses. When the encoder 34 outputs a pulse signal as a command signal, and a servomotor 17 is driven in accordance with the command signal, the tailstock is advanced. With the distal end of a tailstock center contacting a center hole of the workpiece, the operator turns the operating dial 32, thereby finely adjusting the drive torque of the servomotor. Accordingly, the thrust of the tailstock center is finely adjusted, so that the tailstock center is pressed against the workpiece by a low thrust.