Back-to-Back Honing Spindle Layout for Compact Machine Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Honing machines face challenges in accessibility and scalability, with existing systems having a large footprint and inefficient loading and unloading processes, which hinder maintenance and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A honing machine design featuring a stand with two or three feet, where spindles are arranged 'back-to-back' on a level base structure, allowing for easy access and scalability, with additional features like guide receptacles, clamping means, and tool magazines to enhance flexibility and modularity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spindles are arranged in a conventional linear configuration, then the machine structure is simple, but accessibility for maintenance and loading/unloading is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional linear arrangement of spindles to a spatial configuration where spindles are positioned at different levels and angles around a central workpiece area. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows operators to access spindles from multiple directions (front, side, top) without requiring the machine to be excessively large or complex, thereby improving accessibility while controlling structural complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If the machine footprint is reduced to save space, then space utilization improves, but accessibility and loading/unloading efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging spindles in a compact spatial configuration around a central workpiece area, the patent achieves high functionality within a small footprint. The workpiece can be loaded from the front while spindles are positioned at various angles and heights, allowing maintenance and operations without requiring excessive horizontal or vertical space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where spindles are positioned around a central workpiece area in a compact configuration. This allows multiple spindles to be arranged in a space-efficient manner, with each spindle accessible from its own direction, maximizing the use of three-dimensional space while maintaining a small overall footprint.
3Productivity
If multiple spindles are arranged to increase machining capacity, then productivity improves, but the machine footprint and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple spindles in a three-dimensional configuration around a central workpiece area, with spindles positioned at different heights, angles, and radial distances. This spatial distribution allows multiple spindles to operate simultaneously on different portions of a workpiece or on different workpieces, increasing machining capacity without requiring a proportional increase in machine footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where multiple spindles are positioned in a compact, space-efficient configuration around a central workpiece area. This allows maximum utilization of the available space, with spindles arranged in concentric or radial patterns that enable simultaneous operations while maintaining a small overall machine footprint.
4Manufacturing precision
If spindles are positioned for optimal machining, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but accessibility for maintenance and replacement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions spindles in a multi-dimensional arrangement around a central workpiece area, with each spindle accessible from its own direction. This configuration allows spindles to be optimally positioned for machining precision while simultaneously being accessible from the front, side, or top for maintenance and replacement, eliminating the trade-off between precision and maintainability.
Data Source
AI summary
A honing machine features a stand (1) with at least two feet (3), wherein the stand (1) has an area with two substantially parallel surfaces, and wherein at least one honing spindle (11), another machining spindle (11) or another functional unit is arranged on the two substantially parallel surfaces of the stand (1).