Double-Swing Spindle Head Layout for Wider Angle and Higher Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing horizontal flap five-axis machining centers face issues with low rigidity, torque, precision, large volume, and insufficient swing angle range, particularly when machining complex profiles in aerospace applications.

Innovation Solution

A double-swing angle spindle head design incorporating an A-axis swing shaft, B-axis swing structure, spindle head, linear push-pull mechanism, ram, and saddle, with a B-axis push-pull mechanism and crank connecting rod mechanism to enhance rigidity, torque, and precision, while reducing volume and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a 3-bar parallel motion mechanism is used to achieve double swing motion, then the spindle head can swing within a conical range, but the overall volume and weight become large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedouble swing angle capabilityVSAvoidspindle head weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the double swing motion into two independent single swing mechanisms: an A-axis swing mechanism and a B-axis swing mechanism. Each mechanism independently controls one swing angle, replacing the complex 3-bar parallel motion mechanism. This segmentation reduces structural complexity and weight while maintaining the double swing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a conical swing range achieved through coupled 3-bar mechanism to two independent planar swing ranges (A-axis and B-axis). By separating the swing dimensions and controlling them independently, the system achieves comparable versatility with reduced mechanical complexity and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a 3-bar parallel motion mechanism is used, then double swing motion is achieved, but the device volume becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedouble swing angle capabilityVSAvoidspindle head volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the double swing function into two independent single swing mechanisms (A-axis and B-axis), each with its own drive system. This eliminates the need for the bulky 3-bar parallel motion mechanism and reduces overall device volume while maintaining double swing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If three branch chains with symmetrical distribution are used, then double swing motion is achieved, but strong coupling in movement increases control difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedouble swing motionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the coupled double swing motion into two independent single swing motions controlled by separate drive systems. The A-axis swing mechanism and B-axis swing mechanism operate independently, eliminating strong coupling and simplifying control to two separate single-degree-of-freedom control problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex coupled mechanism (3-bar parallel motion) to achieve double swing, the patent inverts the approach by using two simple independent single swing mechanisms. This inversion simplifies the control system from dealing with strong coupling to independent control of two axes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Volume of moving object

If the swing angle range is limited, then the structure remains compact, but machining needs cannot be fully met

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespindle head volumeVSAvoidswing angle range

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the total swing range into two independent components: A-axis swing range and B-axis swing range. Each axis can achieve ±45° swing independently, providing a combined coverage area that is larger than a single conical swing while keeping individual mechanism sizes compact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12409521B2Double-swing angle spindle head

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 KEDE NUMERICAL CONTROL CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention discloses a double-swing angle spindle head, in which an A-axis swing shaft is connected to the spindle head through the flange on the end face to realize the swing of the A-axis, and a crank connecting rod mechanism composed of a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, a B-axis rotating shaft and a swing connecting rod realizes the swing of the B-axis under the push-pull action of the B-axis mechanism. Under the action of the linear push-pull mechanism, the linear axis feed movement between a ram and a saddle is realized. Thus, the freedom of movement range of the spindle head is improved, the rigidity, torque and precision of the spindle head are enhanced, and the volume and weight of the spindle head equipment are reduced.