Machine Tool Tool Storage Layout for Front-Side Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face challenges in efficiently storing and accessing tools due to the placement of tool magazines, which can restrict accessibility and require workers or robots to move around the machine, potentially disrupting machining operations.
Innovation Solution
A tool storage system that includes a tool receiver, a tool magazine, and a tool carriage, where the tool receiver is positioned on one side of the machine tool to receive tools from outside and the tool magazine is on the opposite side, with the tool carriage facilitating the transfer of tools between the receiver and the magazine, allowing pseudo-accessibility to the tool magazine from the front side without interfering with machining operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tool magazine is placed on the front side of the machine tool for easy access, then accessibility is improved, but it interferes with machining operations and requires workers or robots to move around the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the tool magazine on the rear side of the machine tool instead of the front side, utilizing the underutilized rear space. This spatial reconfiguration allows tool storage and retrieval operations to occur independently from the front-side machining activities, eliminating interference while maintaining accessibility through the rear access opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine tool is divided into functionally independent zones: the front side for machining operations and the rear side for tool magazine access. The tool magazine, tool receiver, and tool carriage form a separate tool management subsystem that operates independently from the main machining subsystem, allowing simultaneous independent operations.
2Ease of operation
If the tool magazine is placed on the front side for accessibility, then ease of access is improved, but the machine tool layout becomes more complex and requires altering the front surface design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the tool magazine to the rear side of the machine tool, utilizing the otherwise underutilized rear space. This eliminates the need to reconfigure the front surface design while providing accessible tool storage through the rear access opening, thereby simplifying the overall layout without compromising functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides accessibility to the tool magazine through a dedicated rear access opening specifically designed for tool loading and unloading operations. This localized access point maintains the simplicity of the front surface while enabling efficient tool management from the rear side.
3Ease of operation
If workers or robots move around the machine to access the tool magazine, then tool retrieval is possible, but machining operations are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the tool magazine on the rear side with a dedicated access opening, enabling tool retrieval operations to occur from the rear without requiring personnel or robots to approach the front machining area. This spatial separation allows simultaneous independent operation of machining and tool management functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool carriage serves as an intermediary mechanism that automatically transfers tools between the tool magazine and the machining area. This automated transfer system eliminates the need for manual or robotic intervention in the machining space, maintaining continuous operations while enabling efficient tool retrieval from the rear-mounted magazine.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool storage includes a tool receiver, a tool magazine, and a tool carriage. The tool receiver is provided on a one side of a machine tool with respect to a workpiece holder of the machine tool along a machine tool direction and is configured to receive a tool from an outside of the machine tool. The tool magazine is provided on another side opposite to the one side with respect to the workpiece holder along the machine tool direction. The tool carriage is configured to carry the tool between the tool receiver and the tool magazine.