Machine Tool Rest Phase Adjustment for Simultaneous Tool Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool rests for machine tools face difficulties in achieving simultaneous engagement of engaging portions with engaged portions due to complex power transmission mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A tool rest design with adjustable engaging portions and fixing means, allowing for precise phase alignment of engaging and engaged portions via a gear wheel mechanism, ensuring simultaneous engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a power transmission mechanism with a clutch mechanism is used to transmit driving power to each rotary tool, then the rotary tools can be driven in rotation, but simultaneous engagement of engaging portions with engaged portions becomes difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of simultaneous engagementVSAvoidcomplexity of power transmission mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The input portions are made adjustable in their angular positions relative to the tool-rotating drive shaft, allowing dynamic repositioning to achieve simultaneous engagement. Each input portion can be independently positioned and fixed at different phases, transforming a static fixed-position mechanism into a dynamically adjustable one that facilitates easy simultaneous engagement while maintaining operational functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the phase of engaging portions is not adjustable, then the structure remains simple, but simultaneous engagement with engaged portions cannot be easily achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of phase alignmentVSAvoidease of adjusting phase
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmission mechanism is segmented into multiple independent input portions, each with its own adjustable phase position. This segmentation allows each input portion to be independently adjusted and fixed at precise angular positions, enabling accurate phase alignment for simultaneous engagement without requiring complex centralized adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The input portions are pre-adjusted to specific angular positions during assembly or setup, and then fixed in place using fixing means. This preliminary adjustment and fixation approach ensures precise phase alignment is achieved before operation, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during machine operation.

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

Facilitates easy and precise simultaneous engagement of engaging portions with engaged portions, enhancing the operational efficiency of machine tools.

Implementation Method 1

the input portion may be comprised of a gear wheel, wherein the phase of the engaging portion is adjusted relative to the tool-rotating drive shaft, by shifting the fixing position of the gear wheel to the tool-rotating drive shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3646973B1Tool rest for machine tool
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 CITIZEN WATCH CO LTD
  • EP3646973B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3646973B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3646973B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tool rest (1) for a machine tool, with a plurality of rotary tools (8) and a tool-rotating drive shaft (10) supported rotatably so that its rotation is transmitted to each rotary tool (8). The tool rest includes: a plurality of input portions (21, 31) fixed to the tool-rotating drive shaft (10); and engaging portions (23a, 33a) corresponding to the respective input portions (21, 31), rotatably supported and adopted to be driven in rotation by the input portions (21, 31) for engaging with engaged portions (8c) of each rotary tool (8) to transmit power when a prescribed rotational phase is reached. Adjusting means (40) is provided between a prescribed input portion (21) and the engaging portion (23a), for adjusting the phase of the engaging portion (23a) relative to the tool-rotating drive shaft (10) such that the engaging portions (23a, 33a) and the corresponding engaged portions (8c) are engaged simultaneously.