Machine Assembly with Main Spindle for Two-Sided Workpiece Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing two-sided workpiece machining methods face accuracy issues due to deformation geometries and plane errors, particularly in high precision and ultraprecision ranges, leading to clamping errors, geometrical errors, and lengthy idle times for calibration and tooling operations.

Innovation Solution

A machine assembly with a main spindle oriented from one side of the workpiece to the other, allowing for secure and rotational mounting of the workpiece, which enables high-accuracy machining by rotating the workpiece about its axis of rotation and feeding tools along this axis, thereby avoiding oblique forces and ensuring high planarity and collinear orientation during cutting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If single-sided machining with sequential clamping is used, then the machining process is simple, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to clamping errors and deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining process simplicityVSAvoiddimensional and geometrical accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The machining process is segmented into two independent simultaneous operations: one tool machining the first side while another tool machines the second side. This segmentation eliminates sequential clamping errors by maintaining the workpiece in a single clamping state throughout both machining operations, thereby preserving manufacturing precision while keeping the process relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from single-sided machining to two-sided simultaneous machining by utilizing both sides of the workpiece. This dimensional change allows both surfaces to be machined at the same time from opposite directions, eliminating the need for rechucking and maintaining geometric accuracy while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If repeated rechucking is performed to machine both sides, then all surfaces can be accessed, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to error accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to all workpiece surfacesVSAvoiddimensional and geometrical accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the machining of both workpiece sides into a single simultaneous operation. By positioning tools on both sides of the workpiece at the same time and machining both surfaces while the workpiece remains clamped in one position, the method eliminates error accumulation from repeated rechucking while maintaining full access to all surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If two-sided machining with multiple tools is implemented, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases due to additional tooling and calibration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining speedVSAvoidtooling and calibration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The workpiece fixture is designed with universal functionality to accommodate multiple tools on both sides simultaneously. This multi-functional fixture can hold and position various tool types while maintaining precise geometric relationships, enabling two-sided machining without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If classic jaw chucks or vacuum clamping chucks are used, then clamping is achieved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to clamping errors and deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping capabilityVSAvoiddimensional and geometrical accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying clamping force uniformly across the entire workpiece surface, the invention uses localized support and clamping elements that contact only specific critical areas. This local quality approach minimizes deformation by distributing clamping forces strategically while maintaining sufficient holding capability for accurate two-sided machining.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10016863B2Machine assembly, production machine with machine assembly, use and method for producing rotation components

Publication Date: 2018.07.10 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV

AI summary

The invention relates to a machine assembly 100 for use in a manufacturing machine 1000, in particular in a horizontal orientation of an axis of rotation D in a horizontal manufacturing machine, comprisinga workpiece fixture 30 which is mounted on a fixture carrier 4 and has a first side 31 and a second side 32, anda first and a second tool holding fixture 10, 20, whereinthe first tool holding fixture 10 is arranged on the first side 31 of the workpiece fixture 30 and the second tool holding fixture 20 is arranged on the second side 32 of the workpiece fixture 30. According to the invention it is provided that the workpiece fixture 30 has a main spindle 33 with an axis of rotation D running from the first to the second side 31, 32, and the main spindle 33 is designed for holding a workpiece along the axis of rotation D.