Multi-Spindle Milling Motor Independent Drive Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-profile milling devices face challenges in flexibility and efficiency due to the need for complex adjustments and expert replacement of tools, leading to unnecessary material consumption and high wear during profile changes.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of an additional drive spindle between the movement device and the tool increases flexibility by allowing independent movement and rotation of milling tools, enabling easier profile changes and reducing wear through electro-pneumatic, electro-hydraulic, or electromagnetic control, with tools arranged coaxially to maintain efficient processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple profiles are formed on a single milling head arranged one above the other, then the multi-profile milling capability is achieved, but the adjustment complexity and material consumption increase when changing profiles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-profile milling capabilityVSAvoidadjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The milling device is divided into multiple independent milling heads, each with its own drive spindle. This segmentation allows each milling head to be independently controlled and positioned, eliminating the need for complex adjustments of a single multi-profile head and enabling easier profile changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each milling head is equipped with an independent drive spindle that can be dynamically controlled. The drive spindles can be independently activated or deactivated based on the required profile, allowing dynamic adaptation without physical reconfiguration or complex adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the entire milling tool is designed in one piece, then the structure is simple, but the cutting edges cannot be replaced individually leading to unnecessary material consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidmaterial consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The milling tool system is segmented into multiple independent milling heads, each with its own drive spindle and cutting edges. This allows individual milling heads to be replaced or serviced independently, enabling selective replacement of only the worn cutting edges rather than the entire tool assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design enables selective replacement of only the worn milling heads or cutting edges while retaining functional ones. This discards only the necessary components (worn cutting edges) and recovers/reuses the still-functional cutting edges on other milling heads, reducing overall material consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If the second tool is connected directly to the sliding cylinder on a ball bearing, then the tool can be moved axially, but the tool requires complex shrink fit attachment and expert personnel for replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial movement capabilityVSAvoidattachment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A second drive spindle is introduced as an intermediary element between the sliding cylinder and the second milling head. This intermediary component simplifies the connection by providing a standardized interface, eliminating the need for complex shrink fit attachments and enabling easier tool replacement by regular personnel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design enhances the flexibility and efficiency of multi-profile milling devices, allowing for simpler and safer tool replacement, reduced material waste, and continuous machining without stopping the machine, while maintaining tool alignment and synchronization.

Implementation Method 1

The movement device is preferably moved electro-pneumatically, electro-hydraulically and/or electromagnetically.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectro-pneumatic actuation:

Implementation Method 2

The movement device is preferably moved electro-pneumatically, electro-hydraulically and/or electromagnetically.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectro-hydraulic actuation:

Implementation Method 3

The movement device is preferably moved electro-pneumatically, electro-hydraulically and/or electromagnetically.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Implementation Method 4

the rotation of the first drive spindle is transmitted to the respective drive spindles of the tools via a connection with the second and/or third drive spindle, for example a connection by driver pins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical rotation transmission:

Implementation Method 5

An axially fixed drive spindle (1), in particular a hollow spindle, is mounted on ball bearings (22) in this housing (11, 9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBall bearing reduction: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentEP2492071B1Milling motor with multiple spindles
Publication Date: 2016.10.26 HOMAG GMBH
  • EP2492071B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2492071B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2492071B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Multi-profile milling device with several spindles (1, 2, 3), wherein a first tool (W1) is in the working position and a second tool (W2) can be brought into the working position. An additional spindle is provided between a sliding cylinder for the second tool (W2) and the tool itself. When the second tool (W2) is in the working position, its machining profile overlaps the machining profile of the first tool (W1) so that the workpiece being machined receives the second machining profile. Furthermore, the individual tools can be easily exchanged one at a time.