Cutter Head Blade Positioning With Automated Torque Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutter truing machines face challenges in accurately positioning and clamping stick-type cutting blades, often resulting in blade damage and limited directional movement, which affects the uniformity and precision of cutting edge radial location during the building and truing process of bevel gear cutting tools.

Innovation Solution

A cutter build and truing machine with a mechanism for bidirectional blade positioning and a torque system to automatically tighten or loosen clamp bolts, utilizing a computer-controlled three-axis motion platform, touch probe, and blade positioning arms with a swivel plate and torque spindle to ensure precise alignment and clamping of cutting blades.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a unidirectional push mechanism is used to position cutting blades, then the structure is simple, but the blade cannot be moved in both directions along the slot

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebidirectional blade positioningVSAvoidpositioning mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning mechanism transitions from a static unidirectional push structure to a dynamic bidirectional system. The blade can now be moved in both directions along the slot by actuating the positioning mechanism, which adjusts the blade's axial position to achieve precise radial alignment of cutting edges while maintaining structural feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If high clamping force is applied to secure blades, then the blade is firmly held, but the blade may be damaged or deformed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade clamping securityVSAvoidblade damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping force parameter is optimized to a specific range that provides sufficient security for blade retention while preventing damage. The clamping mechanism applies controlled force through the slot structure, maintaining reliable blade holding without exceeding the threshold that would cause blade deformation or damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If manual blade positioning is used, then the equipment is simple, but the radial alignment precision of cutting edges is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting edge radial alignmentVSAvoidpositioning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated measurement and adjustment system. A probe measures the radial position of cutting edges, and this measurement data is used to control the positioning mechanism, which automatically adjusts blade positions to achieve precise radial alignment, eliminating manual operation while ensuring high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3233344B1Cutter build and truing machine and method

Publication Date: 2021.08.04 THE GLEASON WORKS

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AI summary

A cutter build and truing machine (22) comprising a mechanism (52, 54) to position cutting blades (98) by moving the blades in either direction in a mounting slot (96) of a cutter head (94). The machine further includes a torque spindle (62) and driver (66) to automatically tighten or loosen clamp bolts (102).