Dual-Spindle Multi-Axis Machining Center for Large Workpieces

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current multi-axis machining centers are limited in machining large workpieces, such as vehicle chassis or bodies, due to reduced productivity and precision when repositioning is required across multiple machine tools, and existing multitasking machines are bulky and less productive.

Innovation Solution

A multi-axis machining center design with two independent carriages and spindles that can move along multiple axes, combined with a mechanized tool magazine, allowing for simultaneous machining of large workpieces with enhanced versatility and productivity, while maintaining compact dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple machine tools are used to machine large workpieces, then different machining processes can be performed, but productivity and machining precision are drastically reduced due to repeated repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining process versatilityVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple machine tools into a single integrated multi-axis machining center with multiple spindles (at least two spindles arranged parallel to each other) that can perform different machining operations (milling, boring, tapping, etc.) simultaneously on large workpieces, eliminating the need for repeated repositioning and thereby maintaining high productivity while achieving machining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The machining center is designed with multi-functional capability to perform various machining processes including milling, boring, tapping, and threading through multiple spindles and a mechanized tool magazine, allowing a single machine to replace multiple specialized machine tools while maintaining adaptability to different machining requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single spindle moves with respect to multiple axes to machine large workpieces, then different machining processes can be performed on one machine, but productivity is limited and the machine becomes extremely bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining process capabilityVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single spindle that moves through complex multi-axis trajectories, the patent merges multiple spindles (at least two) into one machine structure, allowing parallel machining operations to be performed simultaneously on different portions of large workpieces, thereby significantly increasing productivity while keeping the machine structure manageable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The machining center is segmented into multiple independent spindle units, each capable of performing machining operations independently or in coordination with others. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different workpiece features, enhancing productivity without requiring excessive machine size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single spindle moves with respect to multiple axes to machine large workpieces, then different machining processes can be performed on one machine, but the machine becomes extremely bulky and difficult to place inside the production facility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining process capabilityVSAvoidmachine volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions by positioning multiple spindles at different locations and orientations (including vertical and horizontal arrangements) within a compact machining head structure, enabling versatile machining capabilities without proportionally increasing the machine's overall footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If multiple parallel spindles are mounted on a single machining head to machine multiple workpieces simultaneously, then productivity is increased, but the machine becomes suitable mostly for small- to medium-sized workpieces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoidworkpiece size adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent configures multiple spindles with different local functions and orientations (e.g., vertical spindles for milling, horizontal spindles for boring) to match specific machining requirements of large workpieces, allowing each spindle to be optimized for particular operations while collectively handling large workpiece dimensions effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20230339056A1Multi-axis machining center provided with mechanized tool magazine

Publication Date: 2023.10.26 VIGEL

AI summary

A machining center includes two independent carriages supported so that they can slide along respective longitudinal translation axes (X′, X″) by two parallel horizontal rails fixed in a raised position to a supporting structure. The carriages support respective machining heads which move along two respective translation axes (Y′, Y″, Z′, Z″). The machining heads support respective tool holding spindles arranged with a vertical axis. At least one workpiece holding table is supported at the base of the supporting structure in a rotatable manner about a first horizontal and transverse rotation axis (Yr′, Yr″) and about a second rotation axis (Hr′, Hr″) perpendicular to the first one. Two mechanized tool magazines are supported at the opposite longitudinal ends of the supporting structure and are accessible by the spindles.