Tilt Table Movement Assembly for Milling Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tilt tables in computer-controlled milling machines suffer from instability and inaccuracy due to lash or free play in the angle control device mechanics, limiting precision and repeatability in machining complex parts.
Innovation Solution
A tilt table design with a movement assembly at one or both ends, utilizing a ball screw, ball screw bearing support assembly, and ball nut assembly to provide improved stability and precision by relocating the pivot point from the center to the ends, allowing better stress distribution and control over the tilt angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a worm and ring gear actuated by a servo motor is placed at the center pivot axis of the tilt table, then the tilt table can achieve angle control capability, but the table develops lash or free play and becomes inaccurate due to mechanical instability during machining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional worm and ring gear mechanical system with a direct-drive servo motor system. The servo motor is mounted at the end of the tilt table and directly actuates the tilt mechanism through a coupling device, eliminating the intermediate gear train that causes lash and free play. This substitution of the mechanical transmission system with a direct-drive system resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability while significantly improving tilt angle accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the angle control device at the center pivot axis as in traditional designs, the patent inverts the configuration by mounting the servo motor at the end of the tilt table. This inversion allows the motor to directly control the tilt angle without going through a complex gear mechanism at the pivot point, thereby eliminating mechanical play and improving precision while maintaining stable operation.
2Device complexity
If the angle control device is positioned at the center of the tilt table, then the structure is compact, but the inaccuracy is multiplied by the length of the table being tilted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by moving the servo motor from the center pivot axis to the end of the tilt table. This inversion positions the control device where it can directly actuate the tilt mechanism without requiring long mechanical linkages, thereby eliminating the multiplication of positioning errors that occurs with center-mounted devices and long table lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical linkage system with a direct-drive configuration. The servo motor at the end of the table directly couples to the tilt mechanism through a coupling device, eliminating intermediate mechanical components that would amplify positioning errors. This substitution maintains structural simplicity while dramatically improving positioning accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional angle control device is used at the pivot axis, then the tilt table can function, but wear and tear increases due to mechanical friction and movement during machining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the worm and ring gear mechanical transmission system with a direct-drive servo motor system. By eliminating the gear train and intermediate mechanical components, the system reduces friction and wear at the pivot axis. The servo motor directly actuates the tilt mechanism through a coupling device, maintaining full tilt control capability while significantly improving component durability by removing the wear-prone gear interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the worm and ring gear mechanism from the pivot axis assembly. By taking out this wear-generating mechanical transmission system and replacing it with a direct-drive configuration, the patent eliminates the source of friction and wear while preserving the essential tilt control function through the servo motor and coupling device.
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
Enhances machining precision and stability by reducing wear and tear, enabling more accurate and repeatable angle adjustments, thus meeting the increasing demand for greater precision in part machining.
Implementation Method 1
The tilt table includes a ball screw, ball screw bearing support assembly, and ball nut assembly to provide improved stability and precision by relocating the pivot point from the center to the ends
Data Source
AI summary
A tilt table for use with a milling machine. The tilt table includes at least one pivot support attachable to the milling machine. The tilt table includes a table top pivotally attached to the at least one pivot support. The table top has two ends. The tilt table includes at least one movement assembly attached to at least one end of the table top to move the table top about the at least one pivot support.