Adjustable feed mechanisms, machining assemblies including the same, and associated methods

An apparatus, comprising:

• an adjustable feed mechanism configured to produce a feed output to translate a tool, the adjustable feed mechanism comprising:
• a plurality of cam segments distributed radially about a central axis, wherein each cam segment includes an inner cam surface, an outer cam surface, and a cam lifter engagement structure, and wherein each cam segment is configured to pivot about a corresponding cam pivot point;
• a cam lifter that contacts the cam lifter engagement structure of each cam segment of the plurality of cam segments;
• wherein the cam lifter is configured to rotate about the central axis relative to the plurality of cam segments to pivot each cam segment of the plurality of cam segments about the corresponding cam pivot point;
• a cam follower biased toward the cam lifter and configured to revolve about the central axis and to move along the outer cam surfaces of the plurality of cam segments sequentially;
• and
• a feed output assembly configured to generate the feed output;
• wherein the cam follower is pivotally coupled to the feed output assembly;
• wherein the cam follower is configured to pivot in a first pivot direction with respect to the feed output assembly when the cam follower moves away from the cam lifter;
• wherein the cam follower is configured to pivot in a second pivot direction with respect to the feed output assembly when the cam follower moves toward the cam lifter;
• wherein the second pivot direction is opposite the first pivot direction;
• wherein the cam follower is configured to pivot in the first pivot direction through a cam activation angle as the cam follower travels along the outer cam surface of a given cam segment of the plurality of cam segments;
• wherein the cam follower is configured to pivot in the second pivot direction through the cam activation angle when the cam follower moves from the given cam segment to an adjacent cam segment;
• wherein the feed output assembly is configured to produce the feed output to translate the tool responsive to the cam follower pivoting in the first pivot direction;
• and wherein the adjustable feed mechanism is configured to enable adjustment of a feed rate of the feed output via selective rotation of the cam lifter about the central axis relative to the plurality of cam segments to adjust the cam activation angle while the cam follower revolves about the central axis.