Workpiece Support with Elastic Positioning for Backlash-Free Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece support devices for machine tools have complex structures with many individual parts, leading to a cumbersome and space-consuming design, and often require adjustments in one direction to be corrected in another, resulting in inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A device with a first positioning unit using a spring means and adjusting screw for precise, backlash-free adjustment of a support element, allowing independent adjustment in both vertical and horizontal directions through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for additional fixing mechanisms and reducing the number of parts and space required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional adjustment mechanisms with multiple individual parts are used, then the device can achieve positioning functionality, but the device complexity and space consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions (vertical adjustment via first positioning unit and horizontal adjustment via second positioning unit) into a single integrated support element structure. The support element itself incorporates both positioning units, eliminating the need for separate adjustment devices and reducing the total number of individual parts while maintaining full positioning capability in perpendicular directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical support and dual-directional positioning capabilities. Both the first and second positioning units are integrated into the support element, allowing it to perform multiple functions (supporting workpiece, vertical adjustment, horizontal adjustment) through a single component rather than requiring separate dedicated parts for each function.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional adjustment mechanisms are used, then positioning can be achieved, but backlash and play occur during adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms (which rely on threaded connections, clamps, and multiple moving parts that inherently produce backlash) with a direct elastic deformation approach. The support element's position is adjusted by elastically deforming a section of the support element itself, eliminating intermediate mechanical connections and their associated play and backlash, thereby achieving precise and reliable positioning.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple adjustment axes with clamping elements are used, then positioning stability is improved, but the device becomes more space-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple adjustment axes into a compact integrated structure. The first positioning unit (for vertical adjustment) and second positioning unit (for horizontal adjustment) are combined within the support element, allowing both adjustment functions to operate in perpendicular directions without requiring separate spatial arrangements of multiple independent adjustment devices, thus reducing overall space consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning units are nested within the support element structure. The first and second positioning units are integrated into the support element in a nested arrangement, where adjustment mechanisms are housed within the overall support structure rather than requiring external separate components, thereby minimizing the external footprint and space requirements of the device.
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 solution enables a simple, compact, and precise adjustment of the support element without play, allowing independent adjustment in both vertical and horizontal directions, enhancing the efficiency and space-saving design of the workpiece support system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the first or second positioning unit is designed such that the position of the at least one support element in the direction assigned to the respective positioning unit can be adjusted by an elastic deformation of at least one elastically deformable section
Implementation Method 2
The first positioning unit has at least one spring element and at least one adjusting screw, wherein, for adjusting the position of the at least one support element, the at least one elastically deformable section of the at least one first positioning unit can be displaced by means of the at least one adjusting screw against the preload force or in the direction of the preload force of the at least one spring element
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (10) for supporting a workpiece (104) to be machined by a machine tool (100), comprising: - at least one support element (12) that can be brought into contact with the workpiece (104) to be supported, - at least one first positioning unit (14) for positioning the at least one support element (12) in a first direction (Z), - at least one second positioning unit (16) for positioning the at least one support element in at least a second direction (Z), wherein the first direction (X) and the second direction (Z) are perpendicular to each other, wherein at least one of the first or second positioning units (14, 16) is designed such that the position of the at least one support element (12) in the direction (X, Z) assigned to the respective positioning unit (12, 14) is adjustable by an elastic deformation of at least one elastically deformable section.According to the invention, the first positioning unit (14) has at least one spring element (38) and at least one adjusting screw (40), wherein, for adjusting the position of the at least one support element (12), the at least one elastically deformable section of the at least one first positioning unit (14) can be displaced by means of the at least one adjusting screw (40) against the preload force (V) or in the direction of the preload force (V) of the at least one spring element (38).