Centerless Grinding Machine Single Dressing Unit Space Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional centerless grinding machines require a large installation space due to the configuration of dressing units and coolant tanks, which limits their size reduction and operability, especially in small spaces.
Innovation Solution
A centerless grinding machine with a single dressing unit positioned between the grinding wheel and the regulating wheel, allowing for space-saving design, improved operability, and integration of the coolant tank as a local cover to reduce the machine's footprint, while maintaining high grinding accuracy by dressing the wheels at the grinding position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate dressing units are provided for the grinding wheel and regulating wheel at the right and left sides, then the dressing function is complete, but the machine requires a large installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate dressing units into a single integrated dressing unit that can dress both the grinding wheel and regulating wheel. This merging reduces the machine's footprint and installation space while maintaining complete dressing functionality through a shared dresser mechanism that can service both wheels.
Solution Approach 2:
The single dressing unit is designed with multi-functional capability to dress both the grinding wheel and regulating wheel. The dresser can be positioned to contact either wheel, and the unit incorporates both a dressing motor and coolant supply mechanism that serve both dressing operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated dressing stations.
2Reliability
If the coolant tank is separated from the grinding machine, then the cooling function is effective, but the installation space cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant tank is merged with the machine structure rather than being a separate external component. The tank is integrated into the base or housing of the grinding machine, allowing the cooling function to be maintained while the coolant supply mechanism is positioned to effectively reach both the grinding wheel and regulating wheel dressing zones.
3Device complexity
If manual adjustment is used for dressing unit alignment and work center height, then the structure is simple, but the operation time and changeover time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated control systems. The dressing unit alignment and work center height adjustment are controlled by a control unit that can automatically position components, reducing the time required for setup and changeover operations while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Manufacturing precision
If the dressing unit is positioned at the grinding position, then thermal displacement effects are minimized for high accuracy, but the machine structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The dressing unit is positioned at the grinding position and merged with the grinding wheel and regulating wheel assembly. This integration allows the dressing operation to occur at the same location as grinding, minimizing thermal displacement effects and improving accuracy, while the shared structural support reduces overall machine complexity.
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 solution enables a compact, space-saving centerless grinding machine that can be installed in small spaces, such as an office desk, with enhanced operability, reduced changeover time, and improved grinding accuracy by minimizing thermal displacement effects and eliminating the need for separate dresser spaces, thus reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the periphery of work piece (hereinafter called work) W is ground by grinding wheel (c) rotationally driven
Implementation Method 2
supplying and collecting coolant to and from a grinding section has the function of a part of a local cover that covers the grinding section
Data Source
AI summary
A space-saving centerless grinding machine having high operability is obtained by devising the configuration of component units around the basic configuration of the machine. A dressing means for performing a dressing process for a grinding wheel and a regulating wheel comprises a single dressing unit. The dressing unit is located at a lower position between the grinding wheel and the regulating wheel, and thus eliminates the need for right and left dresser spaces for grinding wheels that have most seriously affected the breadthwise dimension of a conventional centerless grinding machine, leading to space saving and a considerable reduction in the breadthwise dimension of the centerless grinding machine.