Air Driven Spindle Assembly with Internal Speed Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CNC machining systems lack an effective and easy-to-adjust speed regulation system for air driven tools, which are often externally powered and require external devices for speed control.
Innovation Solution
An air driven spindle assembly with an internal adjustable speed regulator, featuring a turbine driven by pressurized air, utilizing a biasing member, inclined annular surface, and moveable bearings to regulate airflow and control rotational speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an externally powered air driven turbine is used in a CNC machine spindle, then extremely high-speed rotation can be achieved beyond the capability of the CNC machine spindle head, but the system requires external devices for speed control and lacks integrated speed regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air driven turbine with an integrated speed regulator assembly into a single unified structure. The regulator assembly includes a regulator plate with flow control features and a biasing member that work together with the turbine within the same housing, eliminating the need for separate external speed control devices and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high-speed capability
Solution Approach 2:
The speed regulation system is designed to be self-contained and self-regulating. The biasing member automatically adjusts the regulator plate position based on operational conditions, enabling the turbine to self-regulate its speed without requiring external control mechanisms, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining high-speed performance
2Use of energy by moving object
If an externally powered tool is inserted into the CNC machine spindle, then the tool can receive power from an external source for high-speed rotation, but the speed regulation requires external devices and is not easily adjustable
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator assembly is merged with the turbine structure, with the regulator plate and biasing member integrated into the same housing as the turbine. This integration allows for easy speed adjustment through the biasing member mechanism while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of external power sourcing, eliminating the need for separate external regulation devices
3Power
If the entire CNC machine tool spindle is rotated for cutting operations, then positional coordination is provided by the CNC machine, but excessive energy is expended compared to rotating only the cutter tool
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the rotation function by keeping the CNC machine spindle head stationary while inserting an independent air driven turbine assembly that provides only the tool rotation function. This segmentation allows the cutter tool to be rotated at high speed by the turbine alone, significantly reducing power consumption compared to rotating the entire spindle, while the integrated regulator assembly maintains manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation function is extracted from the main CNC spindle and placed into a separate air driven turbine assembly. This extraction allows the high-speed rotation to be provided by a compact, externally powered turbine with integrated regulation, reducing the power requirements of the main spindle while maintaining the necessary rotational capability for cutting operations
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
The air driven spindle assembly provides easy and internal speed regulation, allowing for precise control of the spindle speed without the need for external devices, enhancing machining efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The turbine is driven by pressurized air directed thereto. The turbine is rotatable about an axis.
Implementation Method 2
The biasing member biases the inclined annular surface and/or the regulator plate toward each other.
Data Source
AI summary
An air driven tool for use in a machining center, the air driven tool including an adjustable speed regulator and a turbine. The turbine is driven by pressurized air directed thereto. The turbine is rotatable about an axis. A flow of the air is regulated by the adjustable speed regulator. The adjustable speed regulator includes a biasing member, an inclined annular surface, a regulator plate and a plurality of moveable bearings. The inclined annular surface has an angle relative to the axis. The plurality of movable bearings are positioned between the inclined annular surface and the regulator plate. The biasing member biases the inclined annular surface and/or the regulator plate toward each other.