Twin Rod Support With Open Semicircular Rest for Bar Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool support systems for rod-shaped workpieces face challenges in efficiently supporting non-rectilinear bars and require complex adjustments under full weight load, complicating loading and unloading processes.
Innovation Solution
A twin support device with rotatable quadrant-shaped support elements, allowing for adjustable semicircular surfaces to accommodate varying diameters without full weight impact, featuring an open design for easy loading and unloading and a manipulator for precise alignment and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing support systems use holders that enclose the profile laterally, then the workpiece is securely supported, but the loading and unloading process becomes complex requiring opening of holders
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into two separate support elements instead of a single enclosing holder. Each element can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the workpiece to be supported by two discrete points rather than being enclosed, which simplifies loading and unloading while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the holder enclose the workpiece and requiring opening for loading, the invention inverts the approach by having open support elements that the workpiece is loaded onto from above, eliminating the need to open holders for loading and unloading
2Adaptability or versatility
If support elements are adjusted under full weight load of the workpiece, then the support adapts to the workpiece diameter, but the adjustment mechanism becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are adjusted to the correct size before the workpiece is loaded onto them. This preliminary adjustment is performed when no weight is applied, making the adjustment process simple and accurate. After adjustment, the workpiece is loaded and the support elements are lowered into position without requiring further adjustment under load
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable section rests are used to adapt to different radii, then different workpiece sizes can be supported, but the support structure becomes more complex requiring rotation around horizontal axis
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are made rotatable around vertical axes, allowing dynamic adjustment of their position and the diameter they support. This rotational capability provides adaptability for different workpiece sizes while maintaining a simpler structure compared to variable section rests that require rotation around horizontal axes
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a support device (200) for supporting a rod-shaped workpiece (110) for a machine tool (100) along a longitudinal axis (L) of a support area (220). The support device (200) comprises at least one twin support (210) adapted to support a section of the workpiece (110) in the support area (220), wherein the twin support (210) comprises two support elements (300, 310) each being rotatable around a rotational axis (R1, R2), wherein each of the rotational axes (R1, R2) is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L), wherein each support element (300, 310) comprises a quadrant shaped support surface (330) forming together a semicircular shaped support surface (340) adapted for supporting a section of the workpiece (110), wherein the support area (220) comprises an open side opposed to the semicircular shaped support surface (340), and wherein the support elements (300, 310) are adapted to provide a varying diameter of the semicircular shaped support surface (340) based upon the position of rotation around the rotational axis (R1, R2) in order to support varying workpieces (110).