Integrated Boring Head Electronics for Sealed Digital Readout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing boring heads with electronic units face complications due to the complexity and expense of integrating displays and electric components, which are prone to failure under high rotational velocities and exposure to dirt and cooling liquids.

Innovation Solution

A compact electronic unit is integrated into the boring head, featuring a control unit, display, and power source compartment, with a button acting as the cover, reducing the number of external cables and enhancing sealing, allowing for easy detachment and replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If an electronic unit with display and control components is integrated into the boring head, then digital indication of radial displacement and status data is achieved, but the construction becomes complicated and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedigital indication of radial displacementVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the display, control unit, power source compartment, and button into a single integrated electronic unit that is mounted on the boring head. This merging of multiple components into one unified module achieves digital indication functionality while managing construction complexity through modular integration rather than separate component installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of information

If multiple electric components and lines are provided in the boring head, then digital display functionality is achieved, but the risk of failure increases due to high rotational velocities and exposure to dirt and cooling liquid

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedigital display capabilityVSAvoidcomponent failure risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a protective cover that seals the electronic unit, creating a protective barrier against dirt particles and cooling liquid. This sealing approach protects the electric components and lines from environmental contaminants while allowing the electronic unit to maintain its digital display functionality during high-speed rotation and machining operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Loss of information

If electric components are positioned within the limited space of the boring head, then integrated digital indication is achieved, but space for component placement becomes constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrated digital indicationVSAvoidavailable space for components
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the electronic unit components within a compact configuration on the boring head. The display, control unit, power source compartment, and button are arranged in a space-efficient manner that fits within the limited available area, with components positioned to minimize space requirements while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Ease of repair

If the electronic unit is designed as a compact subassembly, then space efficiency and ease of replacement are improved, but the number of internal connections and sealing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of replacementVSAvoidinternal connection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the boring head system by making the electronic unit a separate, detachable module that can be easily removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the electronic unit to be manufactured and tested independently, then mounted on the boring head as a complete module, simplifying replacement procedures while managing internal connection complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3496885B1Boring head with an electronic unit and electronic unit for boring head
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 BIG KAISER PRAZISIONSWERKZEUGE AG
  • EP3496885B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3496885B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3496885B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A boring head (1) with an electronic unit (20) integrated in the boring head (1) is provided, the electronic unit (20) comprising a control unit (60), a display (30) and a compartment (26) for a power source (41). The display (30) is connected to the control unit (60) and serves to display information concerning the status of the boring head (1) to a user. The compartment (26) serves to accommodate a power source (41) to supply the control unit (60) and the display (30) with electric power. The electronic unit (20) as a whole is designed as a compact subassembly of the boring head (1).