Pivot-Head Optical Machining for Large Complex Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for processing optical workpieces are limited in handling large or complex geometries due to structural constraints and the risk of collisions, which restricts their versatility and accuracy in processing very large workpieces with significant topography changes.
Innovation Solution
A machine design featuring a pivot head with tool spindles mounted parallel to the pivot axis, allowing for adjustable movement along three perpendicular axes, enabling a compact and flexible setup that minimizes collisions and allows for diverse processing tools to engage with workpieces without lengthy travel paths or linear deflections, facilitating the processing of complex surfaces and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional spindle arrangements with tools extending radially from the pivot axis are used, then the machine can process standard workpiece geometries, but the machine cannot process large workpieces with significant topography changes due to collision risks and limited travel paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by mounting tool spindles parallel to the pivot axis B rather than radially extending from it. This repositions the tool spindles in a different spatial dimension, allowing them to engage workpieces at various heights without radial projection beyond a circular locus, thereby enabling processing of large workpieces with significant topography changes while avoiding collision risks.
2Productivity
If multiple processing spindles are mounted in close proximity to increase productivity, then more operations can be performed simultaneously, but the machine's flexibility and range of processible geometries are significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing tool spindles that can be mounted in different angular positions around the pivot axis and oriented parallel to it, allowing a single machine configuration to handle diverse workpiece geometries including flat, curved, and free-form surfaces. The tool spindles can be positioned to engage workpieces at various radii and angles, making the machine adaptable to multiple processing scenarios without requiring separate specialized machines.
3Area of stationary object
If tool spindles are positioned to access large workpiece areas, then more of the workpiece surface can be processed, but the machine structure becomes more complex and prone to collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the tool spindle positions and orientations adjustable relative to the pivot head. The tool spindles can be dynamically repositioned along the pivot axis and rotated to different angular positions, allowing the machine to adapt to various workpiece sizes and geometries without requiring a completely different machine structure. This dynamic adjustability enables access to large workpiece areas while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine (10) for machining workpieces with optical quality has at least one workpiece spindle (12), which rotatably drives a workpiece (L) to be machines about a workpiece axis of rotation (C). A swivel head (14) located opposite the workpiece spindle, is pivotable about a pivot axis (B), and bears at least two tool spindles (16, 18), each of which rotatably driving at least one machining tool (T1, T2, T3) about a tool axis of rotation (D, D′). The workpiece spindle and the swivel head (14) are adjustable relative to one another along three mutually perpendicular linear axes (X, Y, Z). One axis (Y) extends parallel to the pivot axis (B). Another axis (Z) extends parallel to the axis (C) of workpiece rotation. At least one tool spindle is attached to the swivel head with its tool axis of rotation (D′) extending parallel to the pivot axis (B).