Dual-Spindle Machine Tool Layout for Long Workpiece Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools with double spindles are limited in the maximum length of workpieces they can machine due to their structural constraints.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool design featuring two work spindles and two workpiece tables, where each table is pivotally mounted and adjustable relative to the machine frame, allowing for the machining of workpieces with large longitudinal extent by positioning the spindles and tables in a way that enables synchronous processing of identical workpieces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a double spindle machine structure is used to machine two workpieces simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but the maximum length of workpiece that can be machined is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous machining of two workpiecesVSAvoidmaximum length of workpiece
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The machine tool is divided into two independent working units, each consisting of a work spindle and a workpiece table. Each unit can independently hold and machine a separate workpiece, allowing two workpieces of large longitudinal extent to be processed simultaneously without interfering with each other

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The workpiece tables are arranged side-by-side in the Y-direction rather than one behind the other in the X-direction. This spatial arrangement in another dimension allows each table to accommodate long workpieces along the X-axis without the length limitation imposed by traditional single-table configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of moving object

If separate workpiece tables with individual pivot axes are provided for each work spindle, then the ability to machine workpieces of great length is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelength of workpieceVSAvoidnumber of pivot axes and tables
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot axis function is extracted and provided separately for each workpiece table. Each table has its own pivot axis that can be independently adjusted, allowing the tables to be positioned at optimal angles for machining long workpieces without requiring a complex centralized positioning system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Each workpiece table is designed with universal functionality to accommodate long workpieces through individual pivotal movement. The tables can be independently positioned and angled to suit different machining requirements, providing flexibility without requiring specialized configurations for each workpiece

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3778118B1Machine tool with two work spindles
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 FILL GMBH
  • EP3778118B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a machine tool (1) comprising: a machine frame (2); a spindle adjustment device (3) arranged on the machine frame (2); at least one first work spindle (5) and a second work spindle (6), wherein the work spindles (5, 6) are mounted on the spindle adjustment device (3); and a workpiece clamping device (20) arranged on the machine frame (2). The spindle adjustment device (3) has a working head (4) on which the two work spindles (5, 6) are arranged. The workpiece clamping device (20) comprises at least one first workpiece table (21) and a second workpiece table (22), wherein the first workpiece table (21) is pivotably mounted about a first pivot axis (23). The second workpiece table (22) is pivotably mounted about a second pivot axis (24).The first work spindle (5) is assigned to the first workpiece table (21) and the second work spindle (6) is assigned to the second workpiece table (22).