Turning Center Dual-Column Frame Compactness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turning centers have an unfavorably high space requirement, which hinders their compactness and machining accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The machine frame is designed with two columns arranged at a distance from each other, with workpiece spindle units positioned on the front sides and tool carrier units on the transverse sides, allowing for a compact and stable structure with high machining accuracy by optimizing the arrangement of columns and tool carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional turning center design is used, then machining functionality is provided, but space requirement becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-block bed design to a spatial framework using two vertically arranged columns. This dimensional reorganization allows workpiece spindle units and tool carrier units to be positioned at different heights and locations, enabling compact 3D arrangement that reduces overall footprint while maintaining full machining capabilities through multi-axis movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine bed is segmented into two separate column structures rather than a monolithic block. Each column independently supports workpiece spindle units and tool carrier units, allowing modular configuration and reducing the horizontal space requirement while preserving structural integrity and machining functionality.
2Volume of moving object
If columns are arranged close together to reduce space, then compactness is improved, but stability of machine bed body deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the stability-compactness contradiction by transitioning from horizontal spacing to vertical arrangement. Two columns positioned at different vertical levels create a stable tripod-like structure when combined with the base, achieving compact horizontal footprint while maintaining rigidity through vertical load distribution and moment resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The columns are positioned at specific locations optimized for both compactness and stability - close enough to reduce overall size but distributed to create favorable structural geometry. The vertical arrangement creates local stability zones at different heights, with the upper column providing lateral support and the lower column bearing primary loads.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a turning center which comprises a machine frame, a first workpiece spindle unit having a first workpiece spindle, a second workpiece spindle unit arranged on the machine frame and having a second workpiece spindle, at least one tool support unit arranged on the machine frame and a working chamber in which workpieces held in the workpiece spindle units can be machined by means of the tool. The aim of the invention is to provide a turning center which is compact and allows extensive turning and/or milling applications. For this purpose, the machine frame comprises a machine foundation constituted by two spaced-apart columns, the first workpiece spindle unit being arranged on a front face of a first of the columns facing the working chamber, the second workpiece spindle unit being arranged on a front face of a second of the two columns facing the working chamber, and the at least one tool support unit being arranged on the transversal side of one of the columns facing the respective other column.