Hybrid CNC Spindle Layout for Higher Vertical Axis Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
CNC machining centers with additive and subtractive units have a high overall vertical dimension in additive configuration, limiting the stroke of the vertical operating axis and requiring significant height space, which is a drawback in existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A CNC machining center design where the subtractive unit's motorized spindle axis is connected to the additive unit's rotation axis, allowing the spindle axis to drive the operating member and reducing the overall vertical dimension by positioning the spindle axis next to the additive unit's vertical dimensions in a horizontal direction, enabling a higher stroke of the vertical linear axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the additive unit has its own motorization for driving operating members, then the additive unit can operate independently, but the overall vertical dimension of the assembly becomes relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized spindle axis of the subtractive unit is designed to serve dual functions: it can drive the additive unit's operating member (extruder) during additive operations, and it can hold cutting tools for subtractive operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate motorization on the additive unit, thereby reducing the overall vertical dimension while maintaining operational versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the drive function for the additive unit with the motorized spindle axis of the subtractive unit. Instead of having independent motorization, the additive unit's operating member is driven by the subtractive unit's spindle through direct connection or coupling, combining the drive functions into a single component
2Reliability
If the additive unit and subtractive unit are positioned with high vertical clearance, then they can operate without interference, but the stroke of the vertical operating axis is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions components from a vertical arrangement to a horizontal arrangement. The motorized spindle axis is positioned horizontally adjacent to the additive unit's operating member, allowing drive transmission in the horizontal direction rather than requiring vertical clearance. This dimensional change enables both adequate operational clearance and extended vertical stroke
3Length of stationary object
If the spindle axis is positioned next to the additive unit in horizontal direction, then the overall vertical dimension is reduced, but the connection and drive transmission becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling mechanism or intermediary component that facilitates drive transmission from the horizontally positioned spindle axis to the additive unit's operating member. This intermediary enables efficient power transmission in the horizontal direction, making the lateral drive arrangement practical despite the initial complexity concern
Data Source
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AI summary
A CNC machining centre is disclosed, with an additive unit (3) that forms an unmachined workpiece by additive production and that comprises an operating member (30) with a rotation axis, and with a subtractive unit (7) that removes material from the unmachined workpiece formed by the additive unit and that comprises a tool-holding spindle (70) with a motorized spindle axis, with a subtractive configuration, in which the spindle axis of the subtractive unit carries a tool for removing material, and with an additive configuration, in which the spindle axis of the subtractive unit is connected to the rotation axis to drive the operating member of the additive unit and in which a prevalent part of the tool-holding spindle is situated next to at least one part of the operating member, where "next to" means in a horizontal direction.