Dual Milling Unit Lathe Layout for Parallel Machining Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools like lathes and turn mill machines face challenges in efficiency and flexibility due to the integration of a second milling unit, which increases the machine's height and reduces accessibility, making it difficult to efficiently machine workpieces with multiple tools simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring a machine frame with upper and lower tool carrier support portions, each equipped with a linearly movable tool carrier assembly to house a milling unit, allowing for simultaneous machining by both units on multiple work spindles, with independent movement in multiple axes and rotational capabilities to enhance accessibility and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a second milling unit is integrated into the machine tool to enable simultaneous machining with multiple tools, then productivity is improved, but the height of the machine tool increases and accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-level milling unit arrangement to a two-level configuration with upper and lower tool carrier support portions. This vertical dimensionality change allows two milling units to operate simultaneously at different heights, enabling parallel machining operations without requiring excessive horizontal space or excessive vertical height that would compromise accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine tool structure is segmented into distinct upper and lower tool carrier support portions, each capable of independently carrying and moving a milling unit. This segmentation allows each milling unit to operate independently on different work spindles, achieving simultaneous machining while maintaining a compact overall structure that preserves operator accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a second milling unit is integrated to increase tool capacity, then the number of usable tools is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both the upper and lower tool carrier support portions are designed with identical functional capabilities, each able to carry and position a milling unit independently. This universal design allows the system to flexibly configure multiple tools for simultaneous operation while maintaining a standardized, manageable structure rather than creating a complex asymmetric system.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing the vertical dimension with upper and lower support portions, the patent effectively doubles the tool capacity without proportionally increasing horizontal footprint or structural complexity. The symmetrical arrangement of upper and lower units creates a balanced, manageable complexity level.
3Productivity
If a second milling unit is added to enable parallel machining operations, then productivity is improved, but the height to machine axis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension strategically by positioning milling units on both upper and lower tool carrier support portions. This allows parallel machining operations to occur at different vertical levels, effectively distributing the tool capacity across the vertical axis while maintaining a compact overall height that preserves operator accessibility to the machining area.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine structure is divided into upper and lower segments, each housing a milling unit. This segmentation enables parallel machining operations without concentrating all tools in a single high-positioned unit, thereby distributing the height requirement and maintaining a lower machine axis height for better accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a machine tool, in particular a lathe or a turn mill machine, having at least one work spindle provided to receive a workpiece, and a first and second milling unit being configured to jointly machine the workpiece received by the at least one work spindle. Two or more or preferably each tool carrier assembly accommodated by the upper and lower tool carrier support portions and each preferably having a milling unit, is configured to independently move a tool carried thereon in one or more linear directions.