Lateral Processing Machine Layout for Axis Parallelism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional horizontal drilling machines face difficulties in achieving parallelism between the X, Y, and Z axes and the workpiece, limiting their precision and effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A lateral processing machine design featuring upper and lower beams with X guides, moving columns with Y guides, and processing units, along with a control device to synchronize motor rotations, allowing for improved alignment and movement of processing units across multiple axes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional box-shaped frame structure is used, then structural strength is maintained, but manufacturing precision and parallelism between axes are difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparallelism between axes and workpieceVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine tool is divided into modular components: a base, a moving column assembly, and a processing unit assembly. The moving column is separated from the processing unit, allowing independent positioning and adjustment. This segmentation enables precise alignment of the X, Y, and Z axes with the workpiece while simplifying the overall frame structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a vertical Y-axis dimension by implementing a moving column that travels vertically on the base, while the processing unit moves horizontally on the moving column. This dimensional separation allows for improved parallelism between axes by establishing clear reference planes in different spatial dimensions.

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

2Weight of moving object

If traditional rigid frame structures are used, then stability is maintained, but weight reduction is achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine weightVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a lightweight base structure with integrated guide rails and a moving column design that eliminates the need for heavy traditional frame structures. The structure uses optimized thin-walled components and strategic reinforcement only where mechanically necessary, achieving weight reduction while maintaining structural stability through intelligent design rather than brute-force material usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Productivity

If multiple processing units are added, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing unit is designed as a universal module that can perform multiple operations (milling, drilling, tapping) through interchangeable tools or attachments. The moving column and base structure are designed to accommodate multiple processing units or tooling options, enabling increased productivity through multi-functionality rather than adding separate dedicated machines for each operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4371698A1Lateral processing machine and lateral processing system
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 SUGINO MACHINE
  • EP4371698A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4371698A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4371698A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a lightweight lateral processing machine which is easy to increase the parallelism between the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis and the workpiece. The lateral processing machine (10), including: an upper beam (13) and a lower beam (15) extending in an X direction; an upper X guide (211) extending in the X direction; a lower X guide (212) extending in the X direction; a first moving column (191) including, a first connection block (19d1) disposed on the upper X guide (211) to move in the X direction, a second connection block (19d2) disposed on the lower X guide (212) to move in the X direction, and a first column portion (19e1) connecting the first connection block (19d1) and the second connection block (19d2); a pair of first Y guides (271) each extending in the Y direction; a first Y table (251) movable in the Y direction; and a first processing unit (351) detachably attached to the first Y table (251) and including, a first ram (35b1) movable in a Z direction, and a first spindle (35c1) supported by the first ram (35b1).