Machine Tool with Dual Vertical and Horizontal Spindles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools require multiple setup orientations and repositioning to perform machining operations in multiple directions, leading to increased non-processing time and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool design featuring a combination of vertical and horizontal main spindles integrated into a spindle head, allowing simultaneous machining in two directions without changing the workpiece orientation, utilizing a bed, work-table, and moving device configuration that enables movement in multiple axes to accommodate multiple workpieces with alternating spindle arrangements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple setup orientations and repositioning are used to perform machining operations in multiple directions, then machining can be performed in different directions, but non-processing time increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining direction capabilityVSAvoidnon-processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple spindles (vertical main spindle and horizontal sub-spindle) into a single spindle head assembly that can perform machining operations in multiple directions simultaneously. This merging of machining capabilities eliminates the need for multiple setup orientations and repositioning operations, thereby reducing non-processing time while maintaining versatility in machining directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spindle head is designed as a universal assembly that can perform both vertical machining (via main spindle) and horizontal machining (via sub-spindle) functions. This multi-functionality allows the machine tool to handle different machining directions without requiring separate setups or repositioning of the workpiece, thus reducing time loss while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple setup orientations and repositioning are performed, then machining in multiple directions is achieved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining direction capabilityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple spindles into one integrated spindle head, the system can perform machining operations in multiple directions simultaneously on the same workpiece without requiring multiple setups. This increases productivity by eliminating repetitive positioning operations while maintaining the capability to machine in various directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-spindle configuration enables continuous machining operations where the main spindle and sub-spindle can work simultaneously or sequentially without interrupting the processing flow. This continuity eliminates the downtime associated with repositioning and resetting the workpiece, thereby maintaining high productivity and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Volume of moving object

If a single spindle configuration is used, then the machine tool size can be reduced, but machining in multiple directions requires workpiece repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine tool sizeVSAvoidworkpiece setup complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sub-spindle is integrated within or alongside the main spindle in a nested or compact arrangement, allowing the horizontal machining capability to be housed within the vertical spindle structure. This nesting approach minimizes the overall machine tool size while providing multi-directional machining capability without requiring workpiece repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a horizontal dimension (sub-spindle) to the traditional vertical spindle configuration, enabling machining in multiple directions from a single workpiece setup. This dimensional expansion is achieved in a space-efficient manner that does not significantly increase the overall machine tool footprint, thus maintaining compact size while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10239129B2Machine tool

Publication Date: 2019.03.26 SUGINO MACHINE

AI summary

Provided is a machine tool including: a bed; a work-table which is provided to the bed; a moving device provided to the bed; a spindle head provided to the moving device; at least a vertical main spindle provided to the spindle head, the vertical main spindle extending in the vertical direction; and at least a horizontal main spindle provided to the spindle head, the horizontal main spindle extending in a horizontal direction.