Rotating Beam Slab Machining for Precise Flexible Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slab machining machines have complex structures that reduce cutting precision and require larger dimensions, limiting interaxial distances and increasing costs due to complex movements and limited secondary beam length.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a simplified structure featuring a single guide system, a fixed rotation axis, and a movable horizontal beam with independently positionable spindles and cutting tools, allowing for flexible cutting patterns and precision without the need for extensive machine size increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a secondary beam is added to allow rotation of cutting spindles, then cutting versatility is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into independent functional modules: a horizontal beam for spindle positioning, a rotation mechanism for orientation adjustment, and a support structure for stability. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without adding unnecessary complexity to the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the entire beam structure with multiple guide systems, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the beam structure fixed and rotating only the cutting spindles on the beam. This reduces the complexity of guide systems while maintaining cutting versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a secondary beam with fifth wheel is added for spindle rotation, then cutting patterns flexibility is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to complex movements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the rotation function from the complex fifth wheel mechanism and implements it through a simpler dedicated rotation mechanism mounted on the horizontal beam. This separates the positioning function (beam) from the orientation function (rotation mechanism), reducing movement complexity and improving cutting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal beam is designed to be movable along the fixed support structures, allowing dynamic adjustment of the cutting spindles' position. The spindles themselves can rotate dynamically to achieve different cutting patterns, providing flexibility without compromising precision through rigid, over-constrained structures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If machine dimensions are increased to support cutting masses, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the support function and the positioning function into a single horizontal beam structure that rests on fixed support structures. This integration provides structural stability while avoiding the need for separate, oversized support components, thereby reducing overall machine complexity and dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal beam serves multiple functions: it supports the cutting spindles, allows their positioning along the beam, provides a mounting base for the rotation mechanism, and transfers loads to the fixed support structures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional structural elements, simplifying the machine while maintaining stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Machine (1) for machining slabs (L) made of stone, stone-like, agglomerate or ceramic material, comprising a pair of fixed support structures (12) intended to delimit a working area (A), a horizontal surface (8) for supporting the slabs (L) being machined, which is positioned within the working area (A), a fixed horizontal beam (14) supported by the fixed support structures (12) and a horizontal beam (18) movable with respect to the fixed horizontal beam (14) and comprising at least one spindle (20) slidably mounted on the movable horizontal beam (18) and designed for the mounting of at least one machining tool (22). Also provided are means (32) for moving the movable horizontal beam (18) with respect to the fixed horizontal beam (14) along a predetermined direction of advancing movement (Z) lying in a plane parallel to the support surface (8) and means (34) for rotation of the movable beam (18) with respect to the fixed beam (14) about a fixed rotation axis (R) arranged vertically. The invention also relates to a plant (100) for machining the slabs.