Dual Workpiece Holder Machine Tool for Six-Sided Finish Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools require large installation spaces due to the need to transfer workpieces between clamping states, leading to reduced productivity and inefficiency in finish machining and multi-sided machining, particularly when accessing sides that are not readily accessible.
Innovation Solution
A compact machine tool design with a secondary workpiece holder that allows machining in six axes, enabling access to previously inaccessible sides of a workpiece without additional kinematics, and facilitating automated loading and unloading processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If workpieces are transferred between two clamping states to machine all sides, then all-round machining is achieved, but installation space increases due to required travel distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two workpiece holders (primary and secondary) into a single integrated unit that rotates together around the B-axis. This merging eliminates the need for separate transfer mechanisms between clamping states, reducing installation space while maintaining all-round machining capability. The holders are fixed to each other and rotate as one unit, allowing workpieces to be clamped in one holder and machined from all sides without physical transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated workpiece holder system serves multiple functions: it provides both primary and secondary clamping capabilities, enables rotation around B-axis for different machining orientations, and allows workpieces to be processed on all six sides without requiring separate transfer mechanisms. This multi-functionality achieves all-round machining in a compact configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If workpieces are transferred between clamping states, then all sides can be machined, but productivity decreases due to transfer time
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the primary and secondary workpiece holders into a single rotating unit, the patent eliminates the time-consuming transfer process between clamping states. The integrated holder allows workpieces to remain clamped while the entire unit rotates to present different sides for machining, significantly improving productivity while maintaining multi-sided machining capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated workpiece holder system enables continuous machining operations without interruption for workpiece transfer. The B-axis rotation allows the workpiece to be presented to different machining positions while remaining securely clamped, maintaining continuous useful action and eliminating idle transfer time that would reduce productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex kinematics are added to access inaccessible workpiece sides, then machining capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic rotation of the integrated workpiece holder around the B-axis to access previously inaccessible workpiece sides. Instead of adding complex static kinematic mechanisms, the system uses simple rotational movement to dynamically present different workpiece surfaces to the machining tool, improving accessibility while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The B-axis rotation mechanism serves as a universal solution for accessing all workpiece sides without requiring separate complex kinematic chains for each orientation. This single rotational degree of freedom provides multi-functional access to all six sides of a workpiece, avoiding the need for multiple specialized mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine tool (10) for the finishing of workpieces (42) comprises a frame (12), a tool spindle (32) with a tool holder (34) for receiving a tool (36), a primary workpiece holder (40) for receiving a workpiece (42), and a secondary workpiece holder (90). The tool spindle (32) and the primary workpiece holder (40) are movable relative to each other in at least three translational axes (X, Y, Z) and at least one rotational axis (B) in order to machine a workpiece (42) held on the primary workpiece holder (40) in a work area (24). The secondary workpiece holder (90) is fixed relative to the primary workpiece holder (40) in at least one translational axis (X, Y, Z). The primary workpiece holder (40) can be pivoted into a transfer orientation in which the secondary workpiece holder (90) is able to grip the workpiece (42).A method for machining workpieces (42) uses such a machine tool (10).