Machine Tool Transverse Carrier for Heavy Workpiece Machining

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Machine tools face challenges when machining large and heavy workpieces due to limitations in accommodating and maneuvering heavy and long internal machining tools, which restrict flexibility and usability.

Innovation Solution

The machine tool design includes a function carrier base that can be position-controlled in the transverse direction, allowing for the use of a tool holder with larger dimensions than those on the turret head, and a tool magazine system that enables the exchange of tools, along with a rotatable workpiece support unit and a counter-spindle or tailstock for enhanced machining capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If heavy and long internal machining tools are placed in the turret head, then the machine can perform internal machining operations, but the tool size and weight restrict flexibility and usability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility and usabilityVSAvoidtool length
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a function carrier base that moves in the transverse direction (Y-axis), adding a new dimensional space for tool accommodation. This separates the tool holder from the turret head's rotational space, allowing tools to extend in the transverse direction rather than being constrained by the turret's radial space, thus enabling longer tools without restricting turret operations

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

Solution Approach 2:

The function carrier base acts as an intermediary between the machine frame and the tool holder. It provides a platform that carries the tool holder and enables transverse movement, mediating the connection between the workpiece support unit and the tool, and allowing independent positioning of the tool relative to the workpiece

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of moving object

If the tool holder dimensions are increased to accommodate longer tools, then internal machining becomes possible, but the turret head space is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool lengthVSAvoidturret head space
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the tool holder from the turret head structure and places it on a separate function carrier base. This separation removes the tool holder from the turret head's space constraints, allowing the tool holder to have larger dimensions without reducing turret head space for other tools and operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If a position-controlled transverse movement of the function carrier base is implemented, then precise internal machining is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The function carrier base is designed to serve multiple functions: it carries the tool holder, provides transverse movement for positioning, and supports the tool during machining operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite adding position-controlled movement

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

Data Source

PatentEP2602054B1Machine tool
Publication Date: 2015.03.18 INDEX WERKE GMBH & CO KG HAHN & TESSKY
  • EP2602054B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2602054B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2602054B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The machine tool has a machine frame (10) and a workpiece spindle unit (20) having a workpiece spindle (24) and a workpiece receptacle (28) arranged on the machine frame. A work piece support unit is provided on a side of the workpiece receptacle opposite to the workpiece spindle. The work piece support unit is arranged on a movable functional carrier base (290) that is controlled by a machine controller (50).