Composable Turning Tool Kit With Workpiece Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools for cylindrical and conical turning operations face issues with vibrations during chip removal, leading to poor surface smoothness and tolerance violations, especially in overhanging machining on external surfaces or in blind holes, and require costly and non-composable solutions to enhance mechanical strength.

Innovation Solution

A composable machine tool kit that includes a flange rotatably mounted on an element fixed to the workpiece, connected via elongated hollow elements to a ring, with a worm screw and scroll nut driven by a gearmotor, and equipped with stabilization elements and a positioning plate for easy assembly, allowing for vibration reduction and precise machining.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If special materials are used to increase mechanical strength, then the strength of the arm is improved, but the cost of the machine tool is considerably increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strength of the armVSAvoidcost of the machine tool
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The machine tool is divided into modular components including a base, vertical column, overhanging arm, and tool post that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while using standard materials, avoiding the need for expensive special materials throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design creates a universal machine tool structure that can perform multiple turning operations (cylindrical and conical) through adjustable tool posts and positioning mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components, lowering overall cost while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the arm supports the tool during chip removal, then the machining operation is enabled, but vibrations occur resulting in poor processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining operation capabilityVSAvoidsurface smoothness and machining tolerances
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A stabilizing bar is introduced as an intermediary element between the overhanging arm and the workpiece. This bar provides additional support during chip removal operations, acting as a mediator that reduces vibrations and improves surface finish without interfering with the machining operation itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilizing bar is positioned and adjusted before machining begins to preemptively counteract vibrations. By establishing this preliminary support structure, the system prevents vibration-induced poor processing rather than attempting to correct it after the fact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a composable machine tool is designed, then assembly flexibility is improved, but the complexity of positioning and centering operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomposability and assembly flexibilityVSAvoidpositioning and centering operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base and vertical column are designed with pre-positioned mounting surfaces and alignment features that establish the correct geometry before the arm and tool post are attached. This preliminary positioning action simplifies subsequent assembly steps and reduces the complexity of centering operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Standardized mounting interfaces and repeating geometric patterns are used throughout the composable structure. By copying proven design elements across different components, the system maintains adaptability while reducing the complexity of positioning operations through familiarity and repeatability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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

The solution effectively reduces vibrations, enabling precise and efficient machining on large diameters with easy assembly, resulting in improved surface accuracy and reduced machining time for both external and internal surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

the hollow element is equipped with a worm screw and a scroll nut, that the rotation of the worm screw is actuated by a gearmotor fixed on the flange

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm screw mechanism: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 2

the ring is equipped with at least three stabilization elements that during machining of the workpiece is in contact with the surface of the work piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration reduction through contact stabilization: Damping

Implementation Method 3

In turning operations one of the major problems encountered in overhanging machining on external surfaces or in blind holes is that the arm which supports the tool while removing the chip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction-based material removal: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3571000B1Composable machine tool comprising a kit for cylindrical and conical turning machining operations
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 MECKINV SRL
  • EP3571000B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3571000B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3571000B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Composable machine tool comprising a kit for cylindrical and conical turning machining operationst comprising an element (3), which is fixed on the workpiece (1), and a flange (7) rotatably mounted on the element (3). The flange (7) is connected, by means of at least three elongated elements (9), of which one element (9b) is hollow, to a ring (10). The element (3) is fixed to a machine that generates the rotational motion of the flange (7) and of the ring (10) connected to said flange (7). The hollow element (9b) is equipped with a worm screw (11) and a scroll nut (12). The rotation of the worm screw (11) is actuated by a geaed rmotor (13) fixed on the flange (7). A tool head (17) is slidable in a guide (18) mounted on the scroll nut (12). The ring (10) is equipped with at least three stabilization elements (19) that are contact with the surface of the workpiece (1) during the machining of the workpiece (1).