Centering Elements for Axial Bore Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining technologies face challenges in securely axially centering the bore of rotatable hollow bodies, especially for large diameters, leading to potential bending and displacement during machining, and require extensive clamping efforts and space, which complicates the machining process.
Innovation Solution
A device with three centering elements positioned radially at 120° angles, using an external circular-cone-shaped guide means in a tailstock, ensures stable axial centering by radially positioning the hollow body, with adjustable and convex ends for enhanced accuracy and stability, and a support means for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a chuck on a hollow shaft is used to machine the end area of a hollow body, then the tool pressure during machining does not cause the end to bend, but the required size or the required inner diameter of the chuck and hollow shaft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centering function is segmented into three separate centering elements arranged radially at 120° angles, each independently contacting the inner surface of the hollow body. This segmentation allows the centering mechanism to provide stable support without requiring a large-diameter hollow shaft or chuck, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and size requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimension centering approach (using a hollow shaft's inner diameter) to a three-dimensional radial arrangement of three centering elements. By distributing centering contact points radially at 120° intervals, the system achieves stable axial centering without requiring excessive radial space, thereby reducing the required inner diameter of the supporting structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If clamping centering guides are used to ensure secure axial mounting, then axial accuracy is achieved, but the clamping effort is extensive and the space requirement is high
Solution Approach 1:
Each centering element is designed with a specific local geometry (convex or conical contact surface) optimized for contacting the inner surface of the hollow body. This localized optimization of contact geometry enables precise axial centering without requiring complex overall clamping mechanisms, thereby reducing both clamping effort and space requirements while maintaining high manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using external clamping guides that constrain the hollow body from the outside, the invention inverts the approach by using internal centering elements that contact the inner surface of the hollow body. This inversion eliminates the need for extensive external clamping structures, reducing device complexity and space requirements while achieving the same axial accuracy.
3Device complexity
If centering elements with the same dimensions are used, then the device structure is simplified, but adaptability to different inner diameters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The centering elements are designed with radial adjustability, allowing their position to be dynamically changed to accommodate different inner diameters of hollow bodies. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the use of identical centering element dimensions across multiple applications while maintaining adaptability to various workpiece sizes, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and versatility.
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
This solution provides high accuracy and stability in axially centering the bore, minimizing bending and displacement during machining, allowing for efficient processing of hollow bodies with varying diameters while optimizing storage and reducing the need for extensive clamping and space.
Implementation Method 1
an external guide means (2), which is a center punch in a tailstock of a lathe can be brought
Implementation Method 2
If the external guide means and the decisive ends of the centering elements are formed conically and the sum of the cone angles of the adjusting means and the decisive end of the centering elements is equal to or smaller than 180°
Implementation Method 3
the opposite end can be brought into operative connection with the inner surface of the bore of the hollow body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (A) has three centering elements (3) including the same dimensions, and axially and normally movable in an element holder (4). The centering elements are radially positioned at an angle of 120 degrees with respect to each other. A controlled end (31) of the each centering element is in effective connection with an external, circular cone shaped guiding unit (2) e.g. peening tool. An opposite servo end (32) of the centering element is in effective connection with an inner surface (12) of a bore hole (11) of a rotatable hollow body (1).