Horizontal Machine Tool Compact L-Shape Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional horizontal machine tools are large in size and have low machining accuracy due to the long distance between the workpiece support face and the movement mechanism, which is exacerbated by heat expansion, leading to significant dimensional changes.
Innovation Solution
The horizontal machine tool design features a base frame with workpiece support faces at the front, an X-axis saddle, a Y-axis saddle, and a spindle device with movement mechanisms that allow for compact arrangement and reduced distances between components, forming an L-shape configuration to minimize heat expansion effects and enhance machining accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the movement mechanism of the column is provided at the upper-face rear portion of the bed, then the horizontal machine tool can perform three-axial machining operations, but the machine tool becomes large in size and the distance from the workpiece support face to the movement mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the arrangement of movement mechanisms by transitioning from a conventional horizontal layout (along the upper face of the bed) to a vertical layout (along the side face of the base frame). The X-axis movement mechanism is positioned at the rear end of the base frame, the Y-axis movement mechanism is arranged vertically along the side face, and the Z-axis movement mechanism connects them vertically. This dimensional reorganization maintains three-axial machining capability while significantly reducing the horizontal distance from the workpiece support face to the movement mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If the distance from the workpiece support face to the movement mechanism is long, then the machine tool structure can accommodate all movement mechanisms, but dimensional change due to heat expansion increases and machining accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the thermal expansion path by reorganizing the movement mechanisms in a compact vertical arrangement along the side face of the base frame. This dimensional change shortens the distance between the workpiece support face and the movement mechanisms from several meters to a much smaller distance, thereby reducing dimensional changes due to heat expansion and improving machining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis movement mechanisms into a compact integrated structure where the Y-axis movement mechanism is positioned vertically above the X-axis movement mechanism, and the Z-axis movement mechanism connects them. This merging reduces the overall space required for accommodating all movement mechanisms and minimizes the thermal expansion path.
3Ease of operation
If the upper face of the bed is large in the front-rear direction, then the movement mechanism can be positioned at the rear portion, but the machine tool becomes large-size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from utilizing the upper face of the bed in the front-rear direction to utilizing the side face of the base frame in the vertical direction. This dimensional change allows the movement mechanisms to be positioned along the vertical side face rather than requiring a large upper face area, thereby reducing the overall size of the machine tool while maintaining ease of operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration results in a smaller, lightweight machine tool with improved machining accuracy by reducing dimensional changes caused by heat expansion and allowing for a lower center of gravity and increased stability.
Implementation Method 1
an X-axis saddle attached to a back-face portion of the base frame through an X-axis movement mechanism universally slidably in a left-right direction; a Y-axis saddle attached to the X-axis saddle through a Y-axis movement mechanism universally slidably in an up-down direction; and a spindle device attached to the Y-axis saddle through a Z-axis movement mechanism universally slidably in a front-rear direction
Data Source
AI summary
A horizontal machine tool (1) includes a base frame (10) where workpiece support faces (11c) for supporting a workpiece are formed at front portions; an X-axis saddle (20) attached to a back-face portion (12b) of the base frame (10) through an X-axis movement mechanism (50) universally slidably in a left-right direction; a Y-axis saddle (30) attached to the X-axis saddle (20) through a Y-axis movement mechanism (60) universally slidably in an up-down direction; and a spindle device (40) attached to the Y-axis saddle (30) through a Z-axis movement mechanism (70) universally slidably in a front-rear direction. According to this configuration, it is possible to make a whole of the horizontal machine tool a small size and lightweight and to enhance machining accuracy of the workpiece.