Multispindle Slab Machining Machine with Integral Electrospindles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for machining slab materials with multiple cutting groups are complex, costly, and suffer from precision issues due to high masses and inertia, limited angular positioning, noise from transmission gears, and difficulty in making horizontal cuts in the slab thickness.
Innovation Solution
A machine design featuring a compact multispindle configuration with electrospindles rotationally and translationally integral, directly driven cutting discs, and a simplified moving apparatus that uses existing components to achieve precise angular positioning and reduce inertia, allowing for horizontal cuts and increased productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a plurality of cutting groups are arranged in parallel to increase productivity, then the machine can process multiple slabs simultaneously, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cutting groups into a single integrated structure where cutting discs are mounted on the same vertical supporting plate and share common actuation mechanisms. The supporting and moving apparatus controls all cutting groups simultaneously, merging what would otherwise be separate independent systems into one coordinated unit, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining multi-cutting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical supporting plate serves multiple functions: it supports all cutting groups, acts as a common mounting structure for actuator devices, and provides a unified platform for moving all cutting discs simultaneously. This universal structure eliminates the need for separate supporting structures for each cutting group, reducing device complexity while enabling high productivity
2Productivity
If the diameter of the cutting disc is increased to process stacked slabs, then productivity increases, but the cutting precision deteriorates due to disc bending
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large-diameter cutting disc to cut through stacked slabs, the patent segments the cutting operation by using multiple smaller-diameter cutting discs arranged vertically. Each disc cuts a portion of the stack simultaneously, achieving high productivity without the bending and precision loss that occurs with oversized single discs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single horizontal cutting plane to multiple vertical cutting planes arranged in parallel. By orienting cutting discs vertically and arranging them side-by-side, the system processes stacked slabs through multiple simultaneous cuts rather than one large cut, maintaining precision while achieving high productivity
3Productivity
If a vertical supporting plate with multiple cutting groups is used, then productivity increases, but the mass and inertia increase, limiting angular positioning precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic actuation mechanisms that can independently control the position and orientation of each cutting group on the vertical supporting plate. This dynamic control system compensates for the increased mass and inertia by providing precise, real-time adjustments to angular positioning, maintaining cutting precision despite the heavier structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning systems with electrospindle technology that uses electrical control for positioning and orientation. This substitution reduces the reliance on heavy mechanical components for angular positioning, improving precision while managing the mass of the vertical supporting plate structure
4Productivity
If transmission gears are used to drive cutting discs, then the cutting groups can be arranged in parallel, but noise is generated and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical gear transmission systems with direct-drive electrospindle motors that rotate the cutting discs. This substitution eliminates the noisy gear meshing and reduces mechanical complexity, decreasing noise levels and maintenance requirements while maintaining the ability to drive multiple cutting groups in parallel for high productivity
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine (1) for machining block or slab materials (3) is described, comprising: - a working plane (2) configured to support a slab material (3) to be machined; - a first tool-holder electro spindle (11) supported above the working plane (2) by a respective supporting equipment (12) perpendicularly movable with respect to the working plane (2) and configured to move the first electro spindle (11) about a rotation axis (Z) perpendicular to the working plane (2); - a moving apparatus (14) configured to move the first electro spindle (11) and the respective supporting equipment (12) in parallel to the working plane (2) and along directions (X, Y) perpendicular to one another; - at least a second tool-holder electro spindle (45), rotationally and translationally integral with the first electro spindle (11), supported above the working plane (2) in parallel to the first electro spindle (11) by a respective supporting element (47) associated to the supporting equipment (12) of the first electro spindle (11); - a first actuator device (55) configured to move the second electro spindle (45) towards and away from the first electro spindle (11) in parallel to the working plane (2) and along a direction substantially perpendicular to a cutting plane extending perpendicularly to the working plane (2); and - a second actuator device (63) configured to move the second electro spindle (45) along a direction perpendicular to the working plane (2) independently of the first electrospindle (11); wherein the actuator devices (55; 63) are supported by the supporting element (47) of the second electro spindle (45).