ECM Holder and Machining Platform for Precise Multi-Position Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ECM systems lack spatially adjustable positioning devices, limiting the precision and flexibility in positioning components for electrochemical processing, especially for components requiring multiple machining arrangements, which increases mechanical engineering effort and restricts the number of possible processing positions.

Innovation Solution

An ECM system with a spatially adjustable positioning device and processing platform that allows for precise positioning of components and electrodes, featuring multiple degrees of freedom, including rotational and translational movements, and integrated supply systems for electrolyte and energy, enabling precise and flexible machining of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a spatially adjustable positioning device is added to enable precise positioning of components and electrodes, then manufacturing precision and positioning accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device is divided into multiple independent adjustment mechanisms, each responsible for a specific degree of freedom (radial position, angular position, countersink angle, electrode feed axis). This segmentation allows precise control of each parameter while maintaining modular system architecture that manages complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning device incorporates multiple degrees of freedom with adjustable elements that can be dynamically repositioned. The system includes movable components that can be adjusted to different positions and fixed, enabling flexible positioning of the electrode and component while maintaining precision through controlled dynamic adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple machining positions are implemented to process components requiring multiple machining operations, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and mechanical engineering effort increase linearly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidmechanical engineering effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device is designed as a universal system that can accommodate multiple machining positions and operations through its multiple degrees of freedom. The same positioning mechanism handles radial positioning, angular positioning, and orientation adjustments for all machining operations, eliminating the need for separate positioning systems for each machining position.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple machining positions and operations are combined into a single integrated positioning device. The system merges radial adjustment, angular adjustment, and orientation control into one coordinated mechanism, allowing multiple machining operations to be performed without proportionally increasing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the holder is designed to be rotatable or displaceable to enable position changes between processing steps, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition change capabilityVSAvoidholder mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed with dynamic capabilities including rotational and translational movements. These dynamic features allow the holder to change position and orientation between processing steps, providing adaptability for different machining operations while using standardized mechanical mechanisms that manage complexity.

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

The ECM system enables precise and efficient electrochemical processing of components with improved positioning capabilities, allowing for multiple processing stations to operate in parallel, reducing production time, increasing precision, and enhancing economic efficiency by using multiple electrodes, resulting in higher processing quality and reduced tool costs.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically conductive metal is removed through an electrochemical process. A cathode (electrode, tool) is displaced relative to an anode (component) and guided 'into' or 'through' the component. At the same time, an electrolyte is introduced into the gap remaining between the cathode and the anode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical machining: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP4021680B1Ecm system, having a holder and a machining platform
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 MTU AERO ENGINES GMBH
  • EP4021680B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4021680B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4021680B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an ECM system (10), comprising a holder (12) for the arranging of at least one component (50) to be machined and at least one machining station (22) for the electrochemical machining of the at least one component (50) at at least one machining position. The ECM system (10) has a positioning apparatus (11), which is designed to mount, in a predefined position, a machining platform (20) arranged on the positioning apparatus, and the machining platform (20) comprises at least one machining station (22) having at least one electrode (25) arranged thereon, which electrode can be moved along a machining path in order to machine the at least one component (50) that can be arranged on the holder (12). Furthermore, the ECM system (10) has a clamping apparatus (16) for at least one component (50) to be machined, on which clamping apparatus the at least one component (50) can be arranged in a position defined in advance and which clamping apparatus can be arranged, together with the at least one component (50), on the holder (12) in a position defined in advance.