Cylindrical Honing Feed Control to Prevent Tool Seizure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fine machining methods for cylindrical workpieces are inefficient due to time-consuming processes, high load peaks, and a tendency for tools to seize, leading to suboptimal surface quality and dimensional accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method using a mandrel honing tool with a conical section and shaft section, where the relative feed speed is continuously regulated based on process variables like torque and force, allowing for oscillatory movements to enhance processing speed and reduce return strokes, thereby minimizing tool blocking and improving surface finish.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional honing methods are used with fixed feed rates, then the machining process is simple to control, but the processing speed is low and load peaks occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed feed rates to continuously variable feed rates that adapt in real-time to machining conditions. The feed rate is dynamically adjusted based on measured process variables such as torque and force, allowing the system to optimize processing speed while avoiding load peaks through continuous adaptation rather than static control parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring process variables (torque, force) during honing and using this information to adjust the feed rate. The measured values are fed back to the control system, which then modifies the feed rate accordingly - reducing feed rate when load increases and increasing it when load decreases, creating a closed-loop control system that resolves the contradiction between productivity and control simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If high feed rates are used to increase productivity, then processing speed improves, but the tool tends to seize and load peaks occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidtool seizure prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback control to continuously monitor process variables such as torque and force during honing. When the measured values approach thresholds that indicate impending tool seizure or excessive load, the system automatically reduces the feed rate to prevent these conditions. This real-time feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain high productivity while reliably preventing tool seizure by dynamically adjusting feed rate based on actual machining conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically modifying the feed rate parameter based on measured process conditions. Instead of using a constant high feed rate that risks tool seizure, the system continuously adjusts the feed rate parameter within a range, increasing it when conditions permit high productivity and decreasing it when load indicators suggest approaching seizure thresholds, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple return strokes are performed to improve surface quality, then surface finish improves, but the machining time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface qualityVSAvoidmachining time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control that monitors process variables and adjusts feed rate to maintain optimal cutting conditions throughout the honing process. This allows for improved surface quality to be achieved with fewer return strokes because the continuous adjustment of feed rate prevents the conditions that would otherwise necessitate multiple passes. The system maintains stable, high-quality cutting through real-time control rather than relying on repeated passes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies continuity of useful action by maintaining continuous, optimized feed rate adjustment throughout the honing process, eliminating idle time associated with multiple return strokes. The continuous control ensures that each pass contributes maximally to surface quality, reducing the need for repetitive operations and thereby decreasing total machining time while maintaining or improving surface finish quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Manufacturing precision

If fixed feed rate control is used, then the control system is simple, but dimensional accuracy and shape stability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing feedback control that continuously measures process variables and adjusts feed rate to maintain optimal machining conditions. This closed-loop system achieves high dimensional accuracy and shape stability through real-time adjustment of cutting parameters, compensating for variations in workpiece geometry, tool wear, and material properties that fixed feed rate control cannot address.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static feed rate control to dynamic feed rate adjustment that adapts to changing machining conditions. The system continuously modifies the feed rate parameter based on measured process variables, enabling high dimensional accuracy through real-time optimization of cutting conditions rather than relying on predetermined fixed rates that cannot respond to actual process variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach significantly increases processing speed, reduces load peaks, and prevents tool seizure, resulting in higher quality surface finishes and dimensional accuracy with fewer return strokes, enabling efficient machining of cylindrical workpieces.

Implementation Method 1

A relative oscillating movement is generated, in particular through ultrasonic natural oscillation with frequencies between 16 kHz and 40 kHz

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic natural oscillation: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

The finishing tool has a tool coating formed on its outer circumference... a cylindrical workpiece surface has already been produced on a workpiece blank using a cutting tool... this machined cylindrical workpiece surface still needs to be improved in terms of quality

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP3681673B1Method and device for fine machining cylindrical workpiece surfaces
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 MICROCUT CO LTD
  • EP3681673B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3681673B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3681673B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for fine machining a cylindrical workpiece surface (16) of a workpiece blank (14) by means of a fine machining tool (26). Said method comprising the following steps: generating a relative rotational movement (nW) between a tool (26) and a workpiece blank (14) about a machining axis (18) which is concentric to a cylindrical workpiece surface (16) of the workpiece blank (14); generating a relative feed rate (vW; vF) between the tool (26) and the workpiece blank (14) along the machining axis (18); detecting an actual value (TPIST; FPIST) of a process variable (TP; FP), which is a function of a relative force between the tool (26) and the workpiece blank (14) and which can assume a plurality of process variable values; and continuously controlling the process variable (TP; FP) by changing the relative feed rate (vW, vF) in such a way that the more the relative feed rate (vW; vF) changes, the more the actual value (TPIST; FPIST) of the process variable deviates from a desired value (TPSOLL; FPSOLL) of the process variable (TP; FP).