Numerical Control Device for Simultaneous Front and End Face Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing numerical control devices for machine tools cannot simultaneously perform machining on the front surface and end face of a workpiece while the workpiece is rotating, due to limitations in cutter holder configuration and control methods.

Innovation Solution

A numerical control device with a work rotating shaft and two cutter holders, where the first cutter holder performs front surface machining during rotation, and the second cutter holder, capable of moving on a surface normal to the work rotating shaft, performs machining on the end face using arc superimposition interpolation control, allowing simultaneous machining of the front surface and end face.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If only one cutter holder is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but it becomes impossible to perform simultaneous machining for the front surface and end face

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous machining capabilityVSAvoidcutter holder configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machining system is segmented into two independent cutter holders: a first cutter holder for front surface machining and a second cutter holder for end face machining. This segmentation allows each cutter holder to perform its specific function independently, enabling simultaneous machining operations without interference between tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The machine tool is designed with multi-functionality by equipping it with both a first cutter holder (capable of front surface machining during rotation) and a second cutter holder (capable of end face machining). This universal configuration allows the same machine to perform multiple types of machining operations simultaneously on different surfaces of the workpiece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the C shaft/spindle is stopped for key grooving and milling, then machining precision is improved, but turning or rotary machining for the front surface and eccentric machining for the end face cannot be simultaneously executed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous machining during rotationVSAvoidmachining accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static machining (with stopped spindle) to dynamic machining (during rotation). The first cutter holder performs front surface machining while the workpiece rotates, and the second cutter holder performs end face machining simultaneously during rotation. This dynamic approach allows both operations to occur during spindle rotation, improving productivity while maintaining precision through proper control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The machining process maintains continuous useful action by performing both front surface turning and end face eccentric machining simultaneously during spindle rotation. This eliminates idle time when the spindle would need to stop, ensuring continuous material removal and maximizing productivity without sacrificing machining quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If drilling is attempted at a position deviating from the rotation center during C shaft/spindle rotation, then productivity is improved, but a force in the lateral direction is applied to the drill bit and the drill breaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeccentric machining during rotationVSAvoiddrill bit durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The second cutter holder acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables eccentric machining during rotation. Instead of directly drilling at an eccentric position (which would cause lateral forces and breakage), the system uses the second cutter holder to perform the machining operation in a controlled manner, distributing forces appropriately and preventing drill bit failure while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If the second cutter holder is added for end face machining, then the productivity is improved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous machining capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system merges the control of two cutter holders into a unified control architecture. The control unit coordinates the first cutter holder for front surface machining and the second cutter holder for end face machining simultaneously, integrating their movements and operations into a single coordinated system that manages complexity while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9507337B2Numerical control device

Publication Date: 2016.11.29 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

To execute machining for a front surface while rotating a work and, at the same time, apply machining to an eccentric position on an end face, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an NC device includes an arc-superimposition-interpolation control unit configured to rotate a work rotating shaft based on a command of a base axis program for controlling rotation of the work rotating shaft while performing front surface machining using a first cutter holder and, at the same time, subject a second cutter holder to position control on a second machining route obtained by superimposing the rotation of the work rotating shaft on a first machining route based on a command of a superimposition axis program for performing position control for the second cutter holder.