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.
Innovation Solution
A wire rod forming machine design featuring a base plate with a quill, XY tables, and tool shifting apparatuses that allow for adjustable tool axes, enabling easy modification of the number of movable axes while maintaining a compact 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 to improve versatility, then the variety of wire rod product shapes is improved, but the size of the whole wire rod forming machine and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into multiple independent modular units: a base unit with a quill and wire rod feeding apparatus, and multiple tool shifting apparatuses (first and second) that can be selectively added. Each unit functions independently, allowing the system to be configured with the appropriate number of movable axes based on user needs without requiring a complete redesign of the entire machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit with the quill and wire rod feeding apparatus serves as a universal foundation that can support different numbers and configurations of tool shifting apparatuses. The XY tables provide universal positioning capability that works regardless of how many tools are attached, making the core structure adaptable to various versatility requirements without proportionally increasing size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of movable axes of the mechanism for shifting tools is increased to provide a wider variety in the shape of the wire rod product, then the versatility is improved, but the costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tool shifting apparatuses are designed as separate modular units that can be manufactured independently and assembled onto the base unit. This segmentation allows manufacturers to produce base units at a lower cost and add tool shifting apparatuses only when versatility is required, rather than manufacturing complete high-versatility machines that all customers must pay for.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration where the number of tool shifting apparatuses can be adjusted based on specific application requirements. Customers can start with a basic configuration and add tool shifting apparatuses as needed, paying only for the versatility they actually use rather than being forced to purchase a complete high-cost system with maximum versatility from the outset.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of movable axes is increased to improve versatility, then the variety of wire rod product shape is improved, but the desired degree of versatility varies depending on the user
Solution Approach 1:
The machine configuration can be segmented into different levels of complexity based on user needs. A basic configuration includes only the essential quill and wire rod feeding apparatus, while advanced configurations add one or more tool shifting apparatuses. This allows each user to have a machine with the appropriate level of complexity for their specific application rather than all users having access to the maximum number of movable axes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic configurability where the complexity (number of movable axes) can be adjusted to match the user's specific versatility requirements. Users can selectively activate or add tool shifting apparatuses based on their current needs, allowing the device complexity to evolve dynamically rather than being fixed at maximum complexity for all users.
Data Source
AI summary
A wire rod forming machine according to the present disclosure includes: a base plate including a vertical first basal surface on its front side; a quill projecting from the first basal surface; a wire rod guide hole penetrating through the quill; a wire rod feeding apparatus provided on a rear side of the base plate; a first XY table; an extending supporting part including a second basal surface perpendicular to the first basal surface; and a second XY table provided at the second basal surface of the extending supporting part. The first XY table includes a slide plate having a recessed part configured to receive the quill. The slide plate is provided with a plurality of apparatus fixing parts configured to fix a plurality of first tool shifting apparatuses arranged radially about the recessed part. The second XY table includes a second tool shifting apparatus.