Integrated Spindle Head Layout for Compact Hybrid Machining

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional machining apparatuses have a complex structure, which hinders the development of a compact and efficient combined machining system for additive manufacturing and cutting.

Innovation Solution

A compact machining apparatus is designed, integrating an additive manufacturing head and a cutting tool on a spindle head with a shield gas supply, energy source, and a moving device for simultaneous additive manufacturing and cutting, utilizing a single moving device to facilitate both processes while minimizing component arrangement around the spindle head.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional machining apparatus is used to perform both additive manufacturing and cutting, then both processes can be performed, but the structure becomes complicated and the apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to perform both additive manufacturing and cuttingVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the additive manufacturing head and cutting tool into a single integrated machining head assembly. The additive manufacturing head includes a laser unit, powder feed device, and cutting device all mounted together on one head structure, allowing both processes to be performed from a single mounting position on the workpiece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The machining head is designed as a universal assembly that can perform multiple functions - additive manufacturing (melting and depositing powder) and cutting (removing material) - without requiring separate dedicated apparatuses. The head can switch between these functions while maintaining the same mounting position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate mounting positions are used for additive manufacturing head and cutting tool, then both processes can be performed independently, but the apparatus becomes larger and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent process capabilityVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the additive manufacturing head and cutting tool into a single integrated machining head assembly. The additive manufacturing head includes a laser unit, powder feed device, and cutting device all mounted together on one head structure, allowing both processes to be performed from a single mounting position on the workpiece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple separate devices are used for additive manufacturing and cutting, then each process can be optimized independently, but the overall system becomes less compact and more difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess optimizationVSAvoidcontrol simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the additive manufacturing head and cutting tool into a single integrated machining head assembly. The additive manufacturing head includes a laser unit, powder feed device, and cutting device all mounted together on one head structure, allowing both processes to be performed from a single mounting position on the workpiece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The machining head is designed as a universal assembly that can perform multiple functions - additive manufacturing (melting and depositing powder) and cutting (removing material) - without requiring separate dedicated apparatuses. The head can switch between these functions while maintaining the same mounting position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The apparatus achieves a compact and efficient combined machining system, allowing for easy control and reduced complexity by using a single moving device to manage both additive manufacturing and cutting operations, enhancing operational flexibility and reducing component clutter.

Implementation Method 1

a laser unit with a laser beam focusing head and a powder feed device for feeding metalliferous powder to a melting zone of the laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a cutting device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical cutting:

Data Source

PatentEP3789156B1Machining apparatus and machining method

Publication Date: 2022.09.07 SUGINO MACHINE

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

A compact machining apparatus is provided. The machining apparatus, includes: a table 33 to fix a workpiece 5; a spindle head 21 having a spindle 22 to which a cutting tool is attachable; a guide 23 arranged on the spindle head 21 and extending in parallel with an axis 3 of the spindle 22; an additive manufacturing head 25 arranged on the guide 23 and to release an additive material and energy in parallel with the axis 3; a driving device 27 to move the additive manufacturing head 25 in parallel with the axis 3 to move the additive manufacturing head 25 close to the table 33; a supply device 29 to supply the additive material and energy to the additive manufacturing head 25; and a moving device 11 to relatively move the spindle head 21 together with the manufacturing head 25 to the table 33.