Machining Unit Segmentation for Flexible Production
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools lack flexibility in accommodating fluctuating production demands and varying workpiece dimensions, requiring costly and inflexible multi-spindle machines or less capable single-spindle machines, leading to inefficiencies and potential sales losses.
Innovation Solution
A processing machine with multiple processing units that can move independently in three axial directions, allowing for flexible placement and configuration of additional units, enabling simultaneous processing of multiple workpieces with different dimensions and geometries, and allowing for easy exchange or addition of processing units without altering the machine's core structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple machining units are arranged side by side to increase output, then productivity increases, but device complexity and acquisition costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The machine tool is divided into independent machining units (first machining unit 2 and second machining unit 2') that can operate separately. Each unit has its own spindle and can be positioned independently on the worktable, allowing the system to function as multiple independent machines while sharing common resources like the worktable and control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The common worktable serves multiple functions by supporting both the first and second machining units simultaneously. The worktable can position workpieces for different machining operations and can accommodate varying numbers of machining units (1-4 units) depending on production requirements, making the system adaptable to different productivity needs.
2Device complexity
If a machine tool is designed with fixed number of spindles to reduce complexity, then device complexity decreases, but adaptability to changing production conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of the number of active machining units. The first and second machining units can be independently positioned, activated, or deactivated based on production demands. The worktable can accommodate 1-4 machining units, enabling the system to adapt its capacity without physical reconfiguration or additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational parameters of the machining units can be independently adjusted. Each machining unit can be positioned at different locations on the worktable, and the system can switch between different operational modes (single-unit or multi-unit operation) by changing control parameters rather than physical configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If machining area is extended to accommodate larger workpieces, then adaptability increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the physical machining area in all directions, the patent utilizes the temporal dimension by allowing machining units to be repositioned and reconfigured during operation. The same physical space can accommodate different numbers and arrangements of machining units based on workpiece size and machining requirements, effectively expanding capacity without physical expansion.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a machining center with at least one first and one second machining unit arranged side by side in a first axial direction and movable independently of each other in a second and a third axial direction, which are arranged on a common machine bed, wherein column units spaced apart from each other in the first axial direction are provided on both sides of the machining units. The object of the present invention is to provide a machining center which exhibits high production flexibility and is simple and cost-effective to manufacture and use.The problem is solved by a machining machine of the type mentioned above, wherein the machining units are guided by upper and lower guides and are movable independently of each other in the first, second and third axis directions, and/or the machining machine has such a working width that at least a third machining unit can be provided and removed in the first axis direction next to the first and/or the second machining unit, wherein all machining units are identical in construction and/or have the same travel distances.