Main Spindle Unit Segmented Flange Rearward Detachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing main spindle unit designs, such as those described in PTL 1, face challenges in efficiently attaching and detaching the tool unit from the feed base, leading to increased time and complexity in assembly and disassembly processes.

Innovation Solution

The main spindle unit is designed with a unique configuration where the front and rear flange portions have specific mounting surfaces and bolt holes, allowing for easy separation and attachment by moving the unit rearward without disassembly, and includes a movement restriction portion to manage axial movement, enabling efficient handling and processing of large or complex workpieces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the front case is designed with a flange portion that contacts the motor case, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of detachment deteriorates because the tool unit cannot be separated rearward from the feed base

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The case is divided into three separate segments: motor case, front case, and rear case. This segmentation allows the front case to be detached independently from the motor case, enabling the tool unit to be separated rearward from the feed base while maintaining structural stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design transitions from a static, fixed connection between the front case flange and motor case to a dynamic, detachable connection. The front case can be moved forward to detach from the motor case, allowing the tool unit to be easily removed rearward from the feed base when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the tool unit is designed as a single integrated assembly, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming detachment and attachment processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool unit is segmented into detachable components (motor case, front case, rear case) that can be assembled and disassembled quickly. This allows the feed base to remain stationary while only the necessary tool unit components are attached or removed, significantly reducing downtime and improving productivity without compromising manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The front case is designed with a flange portion that can be preliminarily positioned and quickly attached to the motor case using bolts. This preliminary action enables rapid assembly and disassembly of the tool unit, improving productivity while maintaining the precision required for accurate tool positioning and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the front flange portion is designed to extend radially outward from the front body portion, then the adaptability is improved for handling large workpieces, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The front case is segmented into a front body portion and a separately extending front flange portion. This segmentation allows the flange to be designed with the necessary radial extension for adaptability with large workpieces, while the modular structure actually reduces overall device complexity by allowing independent optimization of each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The front flange portion extends radially outward from the front body portion in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. This dimensional change allows the tool unit to accommodate large workpieces that extend radially from the spindle axis, improving adaptability without significantly increasing axial device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3533542B1Main spindle unit and machine tool
Publication Date: 2023.01.11 NIDEC MASCH TOOL CORP
  • EP3533542B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3533542B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3533542B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The main spindle unit (30) has a main spindle (31), a front bearing (41), a rear bearing (43), a front case (61) for covering the front bearing (41), and a rear case (71) for covering the rear bearing (43). The front case (61) has a front body part (62) for holding the front bearing (41) and a front flange part (64) extending radially outward from the front body part (62). The rear case (71) has a rear body part (72) for holding the rear bearing (43) and a rear flange part (74) extending radially outward from the rear body part (72). A front mounted surface (65), which can be brought into contact with a first mounting surface (24) of a unit support table (20), is formed on the front flange part (64) so as to face the front side (Dmf) thereof. A rear mounted surface (75), which contacts a second mounting surface (25) of the unit support table (20), is formed on the rear flange part (74) so as to face the front side (Dmf) thereof.