Double Swivel Carrier with Overlapping Pivoting Ranges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double pivoting carrier machines have a large pivoting radius, making it impractical to build and transport very large machines in one piece due to space requirements.

Innovation Solution

The pivoting ranges of the two pivoting tables overlap, reducing the pivoting radius by arranging the processing-side table within a processing space and the loading-side table within a loading space, with the A-axes positioned asymmetrically or symmetrically to the main axis, and a partition wall separating the processing and loading sides to protect against emissions and retain broken parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pivoting radius of the double pivoting carrier is made large to accommodate processing and loading sides separately, then the machine can handle workpieces effectively, but the machine becomes too large to be built and transported in one piece

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece handling capabilityVSAvoidpivoting radius
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the processing-side swivel table and loading-side swivel table into a compact configuration where their swivel ranges overlap. This allows both tables to share portions of the same spatial envelope, reducing the overall pivoting radius while maintaining separate functional areas through temporal separation of operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a movable partition wall that can be positioned in different locations depending on the operational phase. During processing, the partition separates the processing and loading areas; during table interchange, the partition moves to allow both tables access to the loading area. This dynamic reconfiguration enables compact design without compromising functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the processing and loading sides are permanently separated by a partition wall, then emissions and broken parts are contained, but the machine complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemission containmentVSAvoidpartition wall mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The partition wall is designed as a movable component that can be repositioned between different operational configurations. It can be placed in a position that separates processing and loading areas during normal operation, and moved to allow table interchange. This dynamic behavior provides emission containment when needed while avoiding permanent structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable partition wall serves multiple functions: it acts as a barrier during processing, a guide for table movement during interchange, and can be automatically positioned based on operational phase. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms, thereby controlling overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3659743B1Double swivel mounting machine with two swivel tables with overlapping swivel areas as well as the corresponding processing methods
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 SCHWABISCHE WERKZEUGMASCHINEN GMBH
  • EP3659743B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3659743B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3659743B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2d

AI summary

In a machine tool (1) for the machining of workpieces (13), in particular by machining, with a double swivel carrier (4) rotatably mounted in a machine frame (2) about a main axis (3), which has two swivel tables (5a, 5b) for receiving workpieces (13), each rotatably mounted about an A-axis (10) parallel to the main axis (3), one swivel table (5a) being provided on a machining side (6) and the other swivel table (5b) being provided on a loading side (7), wherein the machining-side swivel table (5a) and the loading-side swivel table (5b) are interchangeable by pivoting the double swivel carrier (4), the swivel ranges (11a, 11b) of the two swivel tables (5a, 5b) overlap each other according to the invention.