Modular Wire Rod Forming Layout for Adjustable Tool Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wire rod forming machines with a greater number of movable axes offer increased versatility but result in a larger and more costly machine, and the desired level of versatility varies by user, necessitating a solution to adjust the number of movable axes and reduce the machine's size.
Innovation Solution
The wire rod forming machine incorporates a modular design with adjustable tool shifting mechanisms, including XY tables and ball screw mechanisms, allowing for flexible configuration of movable axes and compactization, enabling easy adjustment of the number of tool axes and reducing the machine's overall size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of movable axes of the mechanism for shifting tools is increased, then versatility and variety in wire rod product shape are improved, but the size of the whole wire rod forming machine and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tool shifting mechanism is divided into multiple independent axes (first axis for radial direction, second axis for axial direction, third axis for rotational direction). Each axis can be independently configured and adjusted, allowing the system to achieve high versatility through combination rather than requiring all axes to be present simultaneously. This segmentation enables users to select only the necessary axes for their specific application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements adjustable and reconfigurable tool shifting mechanisms where the number of movable axes can be changed based on user requirements. The mechanism allows dynamic configuration where axes can be activated or deactivated, enabling the machine to adapt between compact mode (fewer axes) and versatile mode (more axes), thus resolving the contradiction between size and versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of movable axes of the mechanism for shifting tools is increased, then versatility and variety in wire rod product shape are improved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal tool shifting mechanisms that can perform multiple functions through different axis combinations. The same mechanical components (ball screw mechanisms, slide plates, intermediate plates) serve multiple purposes depending on which axes are activated. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each axis, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable configuration allows customers to pay only for the versatility they need. By enabling selective activation of axes, the system lets users balance cost against versatility requirements - activating only the necessary number of movable axes for their specific application reduces both manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining adequate versatility.
3Volume of stationary object
If the number of movable axes is reduced, then the size of the machine is decreased, but versatility and variety in wire rod product shape are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tool shifting capability into independent,可选 axes, the patent allows the machine to maintain a compact size when fewer axes are needed while preserving the option to activate additional axes for more complex shaping tasks. The modular axis design means that versatility is available on-demand rather than requiring all components to be physically present and occupied in the machine structure.
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 design allows for versatile wire rod shaping while maintaining a compact machine footprint, simplifying control configurations and enhancing operational stability and visibility, thereby meeting user-specific versatility needs without excessive size or cost.
Implementation Method 1
a first ball screw mechanism (40A) for sliding the intermediate plate (41) along a first axis (X axis), and a second ball screw mechanism (40B) for sliding the slide plate (42) along a second axis (Y axis)
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present disclosure is to provide the technique that makes it possible to readily change the number of movable axes of tools of a wire rod forming machine and to downsize the whole wire rod forming machine. A wire rod forming machine (10) according to the present embodiment includes: a base plate (13) including a vertical first basal surface (20) on its front side; a first XY table (40); an extending supporting part (21) including a second basal surface (23) perpendicular to the first basal surface (20); and a second XY table (24) provided at the second basal surface (23) of the extending supporting part (21). The first XY table (40) includes a slide plate (42) having a recessed part (42A) configured to receive a quill (19). The slide plate (42) is provided with a plurality of apparatus fixing parts (70) configured to fix a plurality of first tool shifting apparatuses (54) arranged radially about the recessed part (42A). The second XY table (24) includes a second tool shifting apparatus (34).