Machining-Side Vacuum Fixing for Thin Workpiece Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fixing workpieces during machining, particularly thin-walled workpieces, are time-consuming and prone to surface scratches, and do not effectively manage machining residues, leading to suboptimal machining quality and tool wear.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a fixing device with an attractive force, such as vacuum or magnetic, applied from the machining side to securely hold the workpiece adjacent to the machining point, combined with an extracting device using compressed air to remove residues, and a sensor-controlled injection system for lubricant and coolant, ensuring precise and efficient machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a retractable matrix or counter-bearing system is used to fix the workpiece, then the workpiece position stability is improved, but the machining cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical retractable matrix or counter-bearing fixing system with a vacuum suction system. The vacuum holder generates a vacuum field that directly holds the workpiece on the machining side, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning and fixing mechanisms, thus reducing cycle time while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs vacuum (a pneumatic principle) through the vacuum holder to fix the workpiece. The vacuum field creates holding force without mechanical contact, enabling rapid fixing and releasing operations while maintaining workpiece stability during machining
2Object-generated harmful factors
If cooling/lubrication liquid is used to transport shavings, then machining residue removal is achieved, but surface scratches occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the liquid-based cooling/lubrication transport system with a compressed air-based pneumatic extraction system. Compressed air flows through channels in the machining head to transport shavings away from the workpiece surface, eliminating the scratching problem caused by liquid-coolant-shavings mixture while effectively removing machining residues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts shavings from the machining area using compressed air flow through the machining head. The air stream directly removes shavings from the cutting zone and transports them away, separating the residue removal function from the cooling/lubrication function to prevent surface damage
3Productivity
If vacuum holding force is applied to fix the workpiece, then fixing speed is improved, but holding force magnitude may be insufficient for thick workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vacuum holding function into multiple vacuum holders with individual suction openings distributed across the machining head. This segmentation allows the total holding force to be distributed across multiple contact points, increasing overall holding capacity while maintaining rapid vacuum-based fixing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions vacuum holders and their suction openings at specific locations on the machining head that correspond to the workpiece geometry and machining requirements. This local optimization ensures adequate holding force distribution across the workpiece surface, particularly for thicker sections, while preserving the speed advantage of vacuum fixing
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
This approach provides stable positioning and accurate machining, reduces tool wear, and prevents surface scratches by maintaining a clean machining area, enhancing the quality and speed of machining operations.
Implementation Method 1
the fixing is realized by exerting a holding force which is directed to the fixing device and to the machining head
Implementation Method 2
fixing of the workpiece relative to the machining head on the machining side of the workpiece by means of a fixing device
Implementation Method 3
removing dirt and/or residues resulting from machining from the machining side of the workpiece by an extracting device with at least one compressed air inlet
Implementation Method 4
the attractive force is generated by a magnetic holder for generating a magnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fixing device (100) arranged for fastening to a machining head (200), in particular a drill head, a machine tool (400) for machining workpieces (300), in particular metal sheets at a machining point, wherein the workpieces (300) are machined from a machining side (310), comprising: - a fastening device (120) adapted for fastening the fixing device (100) to the machining head (200); - a fixing head (110) adapted for releasably, locally fixing the workpiece (300) on its machining side (310) and adjacent to the machining point; and - a controller configured to control the fixing and releasing of the fixing head (110) on a workpiece (300).