Circular Grinding Machine Vertical Axis Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cylindrical grinding machines face limitations in machining accuracy due to potential tilting between the grinding wheel and workpiece, which restricts the achievable precision and dimensional accuracy, while also requiring a compact design to minimize space usage.

Innovation Solution

The cylindrical grinding machine design features a swivel table and fixed workhead with a tailstock, where the grinding wheel is positioned above the workpiece, allowing both axes of rotation to be aligned in a vertical plane, enabling precise axial movement of the grinding wheel via a longitudinal guide, and incorporating a dressing unit for high accuracy dressing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the grinding wheel is positioned above the workpiece with both rotation axes aligned in a vertical plane, then machining accuracy is improved, but the machine structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining accuracyVSAvoidmachine structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the grinding wheel positioning system and workpiece support system into a unified structure where both rotation axes are aligned in a vertical plane. The headstock and tailstock are integrated with the grinding wheel mounting structure, creating a compact arrangement that achieves high machining accuracy without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from horizontal axis alignment to vertical plane alignment of the rotation axes. By positioning both the workpiece rotation axis and grinding wheel rotation axis in a vertical plane, the system achieves superior machining accuracy while maintaining a manageable structural footprint through vertical space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If a dressing unit is integrated into the machine bed, then dressing accuracy is improved, but the machine occupies more space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedressing accuracyVSAvoidmachine space
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The dressing unit is nested within the machine bed structure, with the dressing wheel and its support mechanism integrated into the existing bed framework. This nesting approach allows the dressing function to be accommodated within the machine's footprint without requiring additional external space, while still achieving high dressing accuracy through precise positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The machine bed serves multiple functions: it supports the workpiece, mounts the grinding wheel, and integrates the dressing unit. By making the machine bed a multi-functional platform, the patent achieves high dressing accuracy without proportionally increasing the overall machine size, as the same structural elements serve multiple purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the workpiece holder is fixed on the machine bed, then workpiece stability is improved, but the machine becomes less adaptable to different workpiece configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece stabilityVSAvoidworkpiece configuration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The workpiece holder system incorporates adjustable elements that allow the holder to be reconfigured for different workpiece types and sizes. While the holder remains fixed to the machine bed for stability, the adjustable components enable adaptation to various workpiece configurations, combining stability with versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The workpiece holder system allows for parameter adjustments such as position, orientation, and clamping force to accommodate different workpiece configurations. These parameter changes enable the fixed holder to adapt to various workpiece types while maintaining stability during the grinding operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4058237B1Circular grinding machine with dressing unit
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 ZIERSCH GMBH
  • EP4058237B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4058237B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4058237B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a circular grinding machine for grinding a cylindrical workpiece. The circular grinding machine comprises a machine bed (03) which supports a pivoting table (07) on which a workpiece headstock (08) is arranged such that it can be fixedly mounted to drive the workpiece in rotation and on which a tailstock (11) is fixably arranged. A first rotation axis is defined by the workpiece headstock (08) and the tailstock (11). The pivoting table (07) is pivotable about a pivot axis relative to the machine bed (03). The circular grinding machine additionally comprises an abrasive disc (06) which is rotatable about a second rotation axis. The first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are arranged jointly in a vertical plane, with the second rotation axis being arranged above the first rotation axis. A longitudinal guide (17) arranged in this vertical plane is used to axially displace the abrasive disc (06). A dressing unit (16) is arranged next to the tailstock (11) on the machine bed (03) in the axial direction relative to the first rotation axis.