Conical Hub Flange Assembly for Torque and Vibration Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hub flanges are not ideally suited for long, thin machining tools with small diameters, as they are susceptible to bending and torsional vibrations, and the clamping force can damage the tool body when connected to spindle shafts on both ends.
Innovation Solution
A hub flange with a conical connection between the fixed and counterflanges, allowing for a backlash-free, centered connection that decouples the axial compression force from the tool body, enabling higher torque transmission and improved stiffness against bending and torsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a prior art hub flange with cylindrical connection is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the tool body is susceptible to bending and torsional vibrations and cannot transmit high torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a conical connection geometry between the fixed flange and counterflange, replacing the cylindrical connection with a tapered surface. This conical shape provides mechanical advantage through the wedge effect, enabling higher torque transmission and stiffness while maintaining a relatively simple two-part structure. The conical surfaces create a self-centering effect and distribute loads more effectively across the connection interface.
2Force
If axial compression force is applied to clamp the tool body, then secure clamping is achieved, but the tool body with small diameter is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clamping function from the tool body by introducing a counterflange that is detachably connected to the fixed flange. The clamping force is applied between the fixed flange and counterflange rather than directly on the tool body. The tool body is clamped indirectly through this flange assembly, which distributes and isolates the compressive forces, preventing direct damage to the delicate small-diameter tool body while maintaining secure clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterflange acts as an intermediary element between the clamping system and the tool body. It receives the axial compression force from the fixed flange and transmits the clamping action to the tool body in a distributed manner, while its structural design prevents concentration of stresses that would damage the tool body. This mediator protects the tool body from harmful point loads.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the hub flange is designed for high torque transmission, then stiffness against bending and torsion is improved, but the connection between fixed flange and counterflange becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The conical connection geometry provides inherent mechanical advantage for torque transmission. The tapered surfaces create a wedge effect that converts axial clamping force into radial holding force, significantly increasing stiffness against bending and torsion. This geometric solution achieves high stability without requiring additional complex components or multi-stage connections.
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 conical connection design enhances the hub flange's ability to transmit torque and resist bending and torsional vibrations, protecting the tool body from damage and allowing for precise centering and secure clamping, even when connected to spindle shafts on both sides.
Implementation Method 1
The conical connection is arranged coaxially with respect to the tool axis and is formed by an inner cone and an outer cone received in the inner cone
Implementation Method 2
The conical connection design enhances the hub flange's ability to transmit torque and resist bending and torsional vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A hub flange has a fixed flange configured to receive a tool body. A flange socket is formed on the fixed flange for connection to a spindle shaft. A counterflange is detachably connected to the fixed flange. The fixed flange and the counterflange are connected to each other via a conical connection, wherein the conical connection is arranged coaxially to the tool axis and is formed by an inner cone and an outer cone received therein.