Asymmetric Gantry Machine Tool for 5-Axis Workpiece Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gantry machine tools face limitations in accessibility for loading and unloading workpieces due to their design, which restricts the working space and compromises rigidity when attempting to achieve 5-axis machining, especially for larger and bulkier workpieces.
Innovation Solution
The machine tool design features linear guides inclined at an acute angle to the vertical central plane, with one side wall shorter than the other, allowing the cross slide to move obliquely and increasing access to the work area, while maintaining high rigidity and machining accuracy through a combination of gantry and swiveling rotary table mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the machine frame has two parallel side walls with a bed-like floor forming a rigid gantry structure, then machining accuracy and rigidity are improved, but accessibility for loading and unloading workpieces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making one side wall shorter than the other side wall. This asymmetric design creates an opening on the side with the shorter wall, improving accessibility for loading and unloading workpieces while maintaining the rigid gantry structure on the opposite side for machining accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a swiveling bridge table construction is added to achieve 5-axis machining, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the swiveling bridge table construction with the existing gantry structure by integrating it between the two side walls. The bridge table shares the structural support of the gantry, combining multiple functions (5-axis machining, workpiece positioning) into a unified system rather than adding separate independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension of movement by introducing the swiveling capability of the bridge table. This allows the workpiece table to rotate and tilt, transforming a 3-axis gantry into a 5-axis machining system by utilizing angular dimensions for enhanced versatility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the workpiece table is positioned centrally between the side walls, then machining stability is improved, but accessibility from the front deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by creating asymmetric side wall lengths. The workpiece table remains centrally positioned for stability, but the asymmetric design with one shorter side wall creates a lateral opening that improves front accessibility without requiring the table to be repositioned.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The tool has cross slides (6, 11) moved to linear guides of side walls (2, 3). A processing unit (14) is guided with a spindle head (15) at a front side of the cross slides in a veritcally movable manner. Workpiece holding units (24-26, 28) e.g. pivoting-rotary tables, are arranged in a gap between the side walls. The linear guides on the side walls of a machine frame (1) are aligned under an acute angle to a vertical center plane of the machine frame. One side wall at the front side is shorter than the other side wall for forming an enlarged access to a working space.