Dual Pivot Carrier Machine Tool for Continuous Workpiece Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools experience long downtimes due to the need to stop the work spindle when loading or unloading workpieces, and require significant space due to the large distance between the pivot carrier axis and the work spindle.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring two pivot carriers, each with a workpiece table, that can be swiveled around their respective axes to reduce the distance between the pivot carrier axis and the work spindle, allowing for simultaneous access and processing of workpieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single pivot carrier with two workpiece tables on each side is used, then the machine tool requires a large distance from the pivot carrier axis to the work spindle to accommodate swiveling motion, but this increases the space requirement and machine tool footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides a single large pivot carrier into two separate smaller pivot carriers (first pivot carrier and second pivot carrier). Each pivot carrier carries only one workpiece table, allowing them to swivel independently with smaller rotation radii. This segmentation reduces the distance from each pivot carrier axis to its corresponding work spindle, thereby reducing the overall machine tool footprint while maintaining operational clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention arranges the two pivot carriers at different positions in space, with their pivot axes located at different distances from the work spindle. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows each pivot carrier to have an optimized, smaller rotation radius while still providing access to the work spindle, effectively reducing the machine tool's footprint without compromising operational ease.
2Productivity
If the work spindle stops during workpiece loading and unloading, then workpiece handling can be performed, but this causes long downtimes and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables continuous processing by allowing the work spindle to remain operational while workpieces are being handled. The two pivot carriers can be positioned independently, with one workpiece table in the work area being processed by the work spindle while the other workpiece table is being loaded or unloaded. This eliminates the need to stop the work spindle during workpiece handling, maintaining continuous useful action and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic positioning capability where the two pivot carriers can be independently positioned in different angular locations. This dynamic arrangement allows the system to optimize the position of each workpiece table independently - one can be in the work area for continuous processing while the other is in the loading/unloading area, enabling parallel operations and eliminating downtime.
3Quantity of substance
If two workpiece tables are arranged on each side of a pivot carrier, then more workpieces can be processed, but the distance from the pivot carrier axis to the work spindle must be very great to avoid collisions during swiveling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the load distribution by placing only one workpiece table on each pivot carrier instead of two. This reduces the mass and moment of inertia of each pivot carrier, allowing for smaller swiveling radii. The two pivot carriers are positioned at different locations, effectively distributing the workpiece capacity across two independent systems, each with optimized, smaller dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention resolves the space conflict by arranging the two workpiece tables in different spatial dimensions - each on a separate pivot carrier at different angular positions and radial distances from the work spindle. This dimensional arrangement allows both workpiece tables to be accessible while maintaining short distances from each pivot carrier axis to the work spindle, avoiding collision issues during swiveling.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool having a machine frame, a first work spindle, a second work spindle, a first pivot carrier which is assigned to the first work spindle and which is mounted in the machine frame so as to be pivotable around a first pivot carrier axis, and which includes a first workpiece table and a second workpiece table, and at least one second pivot carrier associated with the second work spindle, which is swivel mounted in the machine frame around a second pivot carrier axis extending parallel to the first pivot carrier axis and spaced from the first pivot carrier axis, and which includes at least one first workpiece table and at least one second workpiece table. The first pivot carrier and/or the second pivot carrier can each be moved from a first pivot position into a second pivot position.