Repositionable Spindle Unit for Thermal Deflection Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multispindle machine tools face challenges in maintaining accuracy and reproducibility due to thermal deflections and differing tool lengths, which require laborious and time-consuming adjustments to compensate for positional changes.
Innovation Solution
The working spindle is mounted to be repositionable within its bearing housing via a repositioning unit, utilizing a positioning motor for tiltable and transverse adjustments, enabling rapid and precise alignment of spindles relative to each other and the bearing housing, thereby compensating for thermal displacements and machining inaccuracies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the entire spindle head is repositioned to correct alignment inaccuracies, then the positioning accuracy can be improved, but the reaction time is slow and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the spindle head into independent modular units, each comprising a working spindle, bearing housing, and repositioning unit. This segmentation allows individual spindles to be repositioned independently rather than moving the entire spindle head, thereby improving reaction time while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic repositioning capability to each working spindle through integrated repositioning units with positioning motors. This enables real-time adjustment of spindle positions during operation, transforming the static spindle head into a dynamic system that can rapidly correct alignment inaccuracies without waiting for complete spindle head repositioning.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the spindle head mass is increased to improve stability, then the positioning stability improves, but the acceleration capability and travel speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the spindle head into independent modular units with individual repositioning capabilities, the invention allows each unit to be optimized independently. The bearing housing and working spindle can be designed for stability while the compact repositioning unit provides the necessary movement capability, avoiding the need to increase the mass of the entire spindle head.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of repositioning the entire heavy spindle head, the invention applies partial action by repositioning only the specific working spindle that requires adjustment. This reduces the effective mass that needs to be accelerated, thereby maintaining travel speed while achieving the necessary positioning stability through targeted repositioning.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustments are performed to compensate for thermal deflections and tool length variations, then the machining accuracy can be maintained, but the productivity decreases due to time-consuming adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the working spindles to perform self-service repositioning through integrated repositioning units with positioning motors. Each spindle can automatically adjust its own position to compensate for thermal deflections and tool length variations without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining machining accuracy while preserving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the positions of working spindles and using this information to drive the repositioning units. This closed-loop system automatically compensates for thermal deflections and tool length variations in real-time, maintaining machining accuracy without interrupting the machining process for manual adjustments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the repositioning unit is integrated into each working spindle, then the adaptability and repositioning speed improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies universality by designing a standardized repositioning unit that can be integrated into each working spindle. This modular design allows the same repositioning mechanism to serve multiple functions: correcting alignment inaccuracies, compensating for thermal deflections, and adjusting for tool length variations. The standardized interface reduces overall system complexity despite adding repositioning capability to each spindle.
Solution Approach 2:
The repositioning unit is nested within the bearing housing and working spindle assembly, with the positioning motor, drive mechanism, and sensors integrated into the existing spindle structure. This nesting approach minimizes the additional space required and reduces the perceived complexity by incorporating the repositioning functionality into the familiar spindle form factor rather than adding external components.
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 solution allows for rapid, reproducible, and controllable repositioning of working spindles, enhancing machining accuracy and throughput by minimizing the need for large-scale spindle unit repositioning, reducing reaction times, and enabling high-speed tool movements for fine corrections during machining.
Implementation Method 1
a repositioning unit, in order for the working spindle to be repositioned automatically and controllably in relation to the bearing housing when in operation
Data Source
AI summary
A spindle unit has a working spindle, which is mounted, so as to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis, in its own bearing housing and in which there is provided a receiver for tools for machining workpieces. Via a repositioning unit, the working spindle is repositioned automatically and controllably in relation to the bearing housing when in operation (FIG. 1).