Adjustable Thin-Plate Gripping for Vertical Multi-Spindle Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current numerical control machine tools face inefficiencies in machining thin plates due to the need to manually position and machine slender sheets in a horizontal position, leading to increased time and costs, poor precision from simultaneous machining with multiple spindles, and challenges in adapting to varying plate thicknesses and sizes, especially in the fashion and consumer electronics sectors where machines must be compact and lightweight.

Innovation Solution

A device with automatic adjustment capable of varying its opening to grip plates of different sizes, using a plurality of spindles for simultaneous machining on a vertical plane, decoupling the system to minimize vibrations and flexures, and allowing easy evacuation of machining residues, with independent spindle operation to maintain precision and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a plurality of spindles is used for simultaneous machining of both sides, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to vibrations and flexures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining efficiencyVSAvoidmachining precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements independent numerical control for each spindle, allowing dynamic adjustment of machining parameters, speeds, and feeds for each spindle individually. This enables real-time optimization to minimize vibrations and flexures while maintaining simultaneous machining operations, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity improvement and precision maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the machining system into independently controlled segments (spindles), where each spindle can be controlled separately through independent numerical control. This segmentation allows each spindle to operate optimally without being constrained by the others, reducing相互 interference and vibrations while maintaining high productivity through simultaneous operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If thin plates are machined in horizontal position, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to need to overturn the piece for machining both sides

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading convenienceVSAvoidmachining time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from horizontal to vertical machining position, utilizing the vertical dimension to position multiple spindles above and below the workpiece. This dimensional change enables simultaneous machining of both sides without requiring piece overturning, thus improving productivity while maintaining ease of loading through the vertical configuration

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

3Device complexity

If gripping system is made fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates for plates of different sizes and thicknesses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripping system simplicityVSAvoidadaptation to variable thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements adjustable gripping means that can dynamically adapt to different plate thicknesses and sizes. The gripping system includes movable and adjustable components that can be positioned and configured according to the specific workpiece dimensions, providing both adaptability and maintaining reasonable device complexity through standardized adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If machining is done on horizontal plane, then ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to chips affecting spindle effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading convenienceVSAvoidchip interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the machining plane from horizontal to vertical orientation. This dimensional change allows chips to fall away from the machining zone under gravity rather than accumulating on the horizontal surface, eliminating chip interference with spindle effectiveness while maintaining ease of operation through vertical loading and unloading mechanisms

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

Data Source

PatentEP3597359B1Multi-spindle numerical control machine tool with automatic adjustment and with a device for gripping thin plates to be machined and method for machining said thin plates
Publication Date: 2023.01.11 FAGIMA SPA
  • EP3597359B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3597359B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3597359B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

Device for gripping thin plates to be machined in numerical control machine tools with automatic adjustment and a multi-spindle machine made accordingly, in particular a device capable of varying its opening so as to automatically adapt to and grip plates of different sizes to be machined in numerical control machine tools and the machine built accordingly which provides for the use of a plurality of spindles for the simultaneous machining of opposite sides; method for machining thin plates to be machined in numerical control machine tools with a plurality of spindles, and method which allows the machining of thin plates with a plurality of spindles for the simultaneous machining of opposite sides.