Wedge Gear Machine Tool Drive for Simultaneous Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools for processing metal sheets face inefficiencies in axial movements, requiring separate motorized drives for positioning and stroke movements, which complicates control and increases the complexity of the system.
Innovation Solution
The machine tool employs a wedge gear mechanism with independently controlled motorized drive units for both drive-side and output-side wedge gear elements, allowing for simultaneous movement along the stroke and positioning axes, enabling the superimposition of positioning and stroke movements using a single motorized drive, thus simplifying the system and optimizing load transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate motorized drives are used for positioning and stroke movements, then the machine tool can perform both movements independently, but the system complexity increases and control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The single motorized drive unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can generate both positioning movements along the positioning axis and stroke movements along the stroke axis by controlling the differential movement of the two wedge gear elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate drives while maintaining full operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the positioning and stroke drive functions into a single motorized drive unit that controls both wedge gear elements. By merging the control functions and using the wedge gear mechanism to convert single-drive motion into dual-axis movement, the system reduces component count while preserving independent control capability.
2Device complexity
If a single motorized drive is used for both positioning and stroke movements, then the system complexity is reduced, but controlling simultaneous movements along both axes becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control system monitors the positions of both the stroke drive device and the pressing tool, and automatically adjusts the motorized drive unit's output to achieve the desired coordinated movement. Feedback signals from position sensors enable the control system to calculate and execute the precise differential movement required for simultaneous positioning and stroking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge gear mechanism acts as an intermediary that transforms the single motorized drive's linear motion into differential movement of the two wedge gear elements. This mechanical intermediary automatically performs the complex coordination mathematics, converting simple single-drive motion into the required simultaneous dual-axis movement without needing complex electronic control algorithms.
3Force
If the machine tool is designed to handle high pressing forces, then the pressing capability is improved, but the machine frame deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing force transmission path is segmented into multiple controlled sections through the wedge gear mechanism. By dividing the force transmission through intermediate wedge elements rather than direct rigid connection, the system can better manage and distribute the high pressing forces, reducing the impact on machine frame stability.
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 configuration allows for efficient axial movement control, reducing the need for multiple drives and enhancing the machine's ability to handle high pressing forces while maintaining a compact design, minimizing deformation of the machine frame.
Implementation Method 1
The machine tool employs a wedge gear mechanism with independently controlled motorized drive units for both drive-side and output-side wedge gear elements
Implementation Method 2
allowing for simultaneous movement along the stroke and positioning axes, enabling the superimposition of positioning and stroke movements using a single motorized drive
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool for processing workpieces comprises a stroke drive device with a pressing tool, with a motorized drive including two motorized drive units which are controlled independently and wedge gear elements between the motorized drive and the pressing tool. The wedge gear elements comprise two drive-side wedge gear elements, each one being associated with a motorized drive unit, and two output-side wedge gear elements attached to the pressing tool, with each output-side wedge gear element opposite to an associated respective drive-side wedge gear element and forming a gear element pair. The wedge gear elements of each gear element pair are opposite each other inclined at a wedge angle with respect to a positioning axis and inclined in opposing directions with respect to the positioning axis. The motorized drive is configured to move the pressing tool along a stroke axis and position the stroke drive device along the positioning axis.