Vehicle Part Machining Apparatus with Automatic Tool and Jig Selection
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional part machining apparatuses for vehicles face challenges with narrow space, complex equipment layout, increased installation costs, and reduced productivity due to the need for multiple machines and extensive tool replacement times when machining automobile parts of different materials and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A part machining apparatus with a base frame, machining head, tool replacement unit, and jig unit that allows for automatic selection and use of dedicated tools for various materials, reducing tool replacement time and installation area, and incorporating an air supply device for chip removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual parts machining apparatuses are installed for different materials and shapes, then machining capability for various automobile parts is improved, but installation area increases and equipment layout becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single machining apparatus that can process multiple types of automobile parts with different materials and shapes by equipping it with a tool replacement unit containing various dedicated tools and a jig unit with multiple placement pallets. The control unit automatically selects and switches between tools and jigs based on the part type, enabling one machine to perform functions that previously required multiple separate machines.
2Manufacturing precision
If dedicated tools are replaced for different materials, then machining precision for specific materials is improved, but tool replacement time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares multiple dedicated tools for different materials (cast iron, aluminum, etc.) and multiple placement pallets for different part shapes in advance within the tool replacement unit and jig unit. The control unit automatically selects and switches between these pre-prepared tools and pallets based on the machining requirements, eliminating manual tool replacement and reducing cycle time while maintaining material-specific machining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple placement pallets are used for different part shapes, then adaptability to various vehicle types is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotary jig unit that can dynamically rotate to bring different placement pallets into position according to the machining requirements. The system dynamically switches between two placement pallets mounted on the rotating jig unit, allowing the same physical apparatus to adapt to different part shapes and vehicle types without requiring complex reconfiguration or multiple static setups.
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 apparatus improves productivity by reducing overall cycle time, minimizing installation area, and lowering costs, enabling the machining of automobile parts with different materials and shapes using a single piece of equipment, suitable for multiple vehicle types.
Implementation Method 1
an air supply device that is provided under the rotating plate, on the side of the machining head with respect to the rotary motor, and configured to spray high-pressure air to the automobile parts so as to remove chips produced during processing of the automobile parts
Implementation Method 2
An air nozzle is mounted to an inner upper portion of the cover frame, corresponding to the machining head, in order to remove chips produced during machining of the automobile parts.
Data Source
AI summary
A part machining apparatus for the vehicle includes a base frame, a machining head that may be mounted on one side on top of the base frame so as to machine automobile parts while rotating with dedicated tools mounted thereon, a tool replacement unit that may be installed over the machining head, may be equipped with a plurality of dedicated tools for different materials of the automobile parts, and supplies a selected dedicated tool to the machining head when machining the automobile parts, a jig unit that may be mounted on the other side on top of the base frame, facing the machining head, and includes two placement pallets corresponding to the automobile parts having different shapes for different vehicle types to fix the automobile parts in position toward the machining head through selective rotation.