Inclined CNC Worktable for Bottom-Up Machining Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CNC machining centers are limited in machining pieces from bottom to top, as the head cannot be lowered below a certain height due to a horizontal and fixed lower supporting surface, requiring piece repositioning and interrupting processing cycles, thereby increasing production time.

Innovation Solution

A CNC machine with a worktable that rotates and translates on an inclined plane, allowing the head with the tool-holding spindle to be positioned at a lower height by varying the slide's height through inclined guides, enabling machining from bottom to top without repositioning the workpiece, and incorporating a programmable electronic circuit for controlled movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the lower supporting surface is horizontal and fixed, then the structure is simple and stable, but the head cannot be lowered below a certain height, preventing machining from bottom to top

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining directionVSAvoidsupporting surface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lower supporting surface is changed from a horizontal plane to an inclined plane, introducing a new dimensional aspect (inclination angle) to the structure. This allows the head to access positions below the original horizontal level while maintaining structural stability, enabling machining from bottom to top without increasing overall device complexity.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the head is lowered to machine from bottom to top, then machining versatility is improved, but the head cannot be lowered below a given height due to the fixed supporting surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining directionVSAvoidhead positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By inclining the supporting surface, the system creates additional vertical space below the original horizontal level. This allows the head to be positioned lower for bottom-up machining while maintaining ease of operation through the same positioning mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between versatility and operational ease.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If the piece is removed and repositioned to machine from bottom to top, then machining versatility is improved, but production time increases due to interruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining directionVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The inclined supporting surface allows the head to access bottom surfaces of workpieces without requiring removal or repositioning. The continuous inclined geometry enables seamless bottom-up machining operations, maintaining high productivity while achieving machining versatility in multiple directions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined supporting surface enables continuous machining operations from bottom to top without interrupting the workpiece on the table. The head can move continuously along the inclined plane to access different surfaces, eliminating the need to stop, remove, and reposition the workpiece, thus maintaining continuous productive action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3003639B1NC machines with improved worktable
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 PROMAC
  • EP3003639B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention is a numerical control machine comprising in its main parts a bearing structure-frame suited to support the various other parts, at least one lower surface (4), at least one table (7) suited to hold a workpiece (3) and mounted on said lower surface (4) and at least one head (8) with an electric tool-holding spindle (81), and wherein said lower surface (4) is inclined.