Tool Post Feed Axis Layout for Faster Multi-Tool Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face inefficiencies in blade edge position adjustment for bars with larger diameters due to staggered tool arrangements, leading to increased stroke lengths and wasted time in non-cutting operations.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring orthogonal first and second feed axes allows tools to be aligned along a straight line, enabling direct movement to standby positions and reducing unnecessary stroke lengths, thus minimizing wasted time and tool switching inefficiencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If blade edges of respective tools are staggered in the cut-in direction in a stepwise fashion to enable blade edge position adjustment against larger diameter bars, then blade edge position adjustment becomes possible, but extra stroke lengths are required for tool movement and switching, increasing machining time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second feed axis (Y-axis) perpendicular to the first feed axis (X-axis) to create a two-dimensional tool positioning system. By arranging blade edges along a straight line in one dimension (Y-axis) while maintaining staggered positions in the cut-in direction (X-axis), the system enables blade edge position adjustment without requiring extra stroke lengths for tool switching, thus resolving the contradiction between positioning capability and machining time
Solution Approach 2:
The tool post is designed with dynamic movement capability along both X-axis and Y-axis, allowing flexible repositioning of tools. This dynamic positioning system enables the tool post to move to standby positions efficiently by utilizing coordinated movement in both dimensions, eliminating the need for additional stroke lengths that would otherwise be required for blade edge position adjustment
2Manufacturing precision
If blade edges of respective tools are staggered in the cut-in direction, then blade edge position adjustment is enabled for larger diameter bars, but the feed screws must be adapted for longer stroke lengths, increasing machine tool size
Solution Approach 1:
By adding the Y-axis feed mechanism with its own feed screw, the system distributes the positioning function across two independent feed screws instead of requiring one excessively long feed screw. The blade edge position adjustment is achieved through coordinated movement in both dimensions, allowing each feed screw to have a reasonable stroke length while maintaining the capability to adjust blade edge positions for larger diameter bars
Solution Approach 2:
The feed mechanism is segmented into two independent feed screws, each responsible for one dimension of movement. This segmentation allows each feed screw to be optimized for its specific function with appropriate stroke length, rather than requiring a single feed screw to handle both positioning and blade edge adjustment functions with excessive stroke length
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a machine tool that is capable of executing center level adjustment of a plurality of tools mounted on a tool post against a workpiece having a larger diameter and that is also capable of reducing wasted time in non-cutting operation via equal stroke lengths of the tools. A machine tool (100) includes movement means (110), which has a first feed shaft (A) and a second feed shaft (B) that mutually intersect, and a plurality of tools (120), which are driven by the movement means (110) and respective blade edges of which are staggered in a stepwise fashion. The blade edges of the tools (120) are aligned with the second axis (B) due to the inclination of the tools (120) as a unit.