Cooling Nozzle Connection with Self-Locking Rotary-Linear Drive
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grinding machines, particularly internal cylindrical grinding machines, face inefficiencies due to the time-consuming process of adjusting and positioning cooling nozzles, which reduces machine availability for actual grinding operations.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a rotary-linear gear mechanism that allows for quick and precise connection of cooling nozzles to the lubricant supply, utilizing a self-locking gear system to maintain the nozzle's position without additional fixing means, enabling a single-hand operation for both connection and disconnection, and supporting various nozzle configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional adjustment methods are used to position the cooling nozzle, then the nozzle can be precisely positioned, but the time required for setup increases, reducing machine availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a rotary-linear drive unit that converts rotational movement of the hand lever into precise longitudinal movement of the pipe section. This dynamic mechanism allows the nozzle to be quickly positioned along the central axis while maintaining precision, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments. The self-locking feature further enhances this by automatically maintaining the positioned state without continuous force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary mechanism - the rotary-linear drive unit with gear sector and pinion - to mediate between the simple rotational input (hand lever) and the precise linear positioning requirement. This intermediary converts the easy-to-apply rotational force into controlled linear displacement, achieving both quick operation and precise positioning simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used for nozzle positioning, then positioning is achievable, but the operation requires multiple steps and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism. The rotary-linear drive unit combines positioning and locking functions, while the hand lever simultaneously controls both the positioning and the engagement/disengagement of the connection. This merging reduces the number of separate operations required and simplifies the user interface despite the sophisticated internal mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking mechanism provides self-service by automatically maintaining the nozzle position once set, without requiring continuous force or additional locking steps. The gravitational force and friction in the gear sector-pinion arrangement automatically hold the position, eliminating the need for separate locking operations and reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If additional fixing means are used to secure the nozzle, then connection reliability improves, but the connection process requires more steps and time
Solution Approach 1:
The self-locking mechanism serves itself by using the applied force to create both the positioning and the locking action simultaneously. When the hand lever is moved to position the pipe section, the gear sector and pinion arrangement automatically creates a locked state that maintains reliability without requiring additional fixing steps. The system self-maintains its connection state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the positioning function and the locking function into a single integrated action. The same rotary-linear drive unit that positions the pipe section also provides the locking mechanism through its self-locking gear arrangement. This combination eliminates the need for separate fixing means and maintains both reliability and productivity.
4Manufacturing precision
If the cooling nozzle is adjusted during setup, then optimal cooling performance is achieved, but grinding machine availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic rotary-linear drive mechanism enables rapid adjustment of the cooling nozzle position during setup, allowing optimal cooling performance to be achieved quickly. The smooth conversion of rotational to linear motion allows precise positioning without time-consuming manual adjustments, thereby minimizing setup time and maximizing grinding machine availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary-linear drive unit acts as an intermediary that mediates between the need for precise nozzle positioning (for optimal cooling) and the need for quick setup (for high availability). It translates simple rotational input into precise linear positioning, achieving both goals simultaneously and reducing the trade-off between manufacturing precision and productivity.
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 significantly reduces downtime by allowing rapid nozzle changes and precise positioning, maximizing grinding machine availability and efficiency by converting rotational movement into controlled longitudinal movement for secure nozzle attachment and detachment.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary-linear drive unit with a drive element (4) pivotable about a central axis (MA) and connected to a hand lever (5). The rotary-linear drive unit also includes a tubular section (10) as an output element, which is rotatably displaceable along the aforementioned central axis within a housing (6)
Implementation Method 2
The rotary-linear drive, which moves the pipe section intended for conveying coolant within the connection device without twisting it, can be designed as a self-locking drive. This means that the hand lever cannot be deflected from the output side of the drive
Implementation Method 3
The pipe section clamps the cooling nozzle by pressing it against the nozzle, it remains in this position without any further fixing means, such as a clamping screw
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for connecting a cooling nozzle to a cooling lubricant supply for a grinding machine, comprising: - a rotary-linear transmission (3) that comprises a drive element (4) which can pivot about a central axis (MA) and which is connected to a manual lever (5), and a tube section (10) as an output element that can be moved along the central axis (MA) and is secured against rotation in a housing (6); and - a receiving means (15), formed by the housing (6), for a cooling nozzle (2), onto which the tube section (10) can be pressed by means of the rotary-linear transmission (3).