Elastic Biasing Element for Bore Finishing Force Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for controlling force or torque in bore finishing tools, such as honing tools, face challenges in maintaining precise and consistent force application, especially when encountering sudden resistance or irregularities, leading to force spikes and fluctuations due to their rigidity and slow response times, which results in longer process times and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A system incorporating an elastic biasing element, like a spring, in combination with an encoder arrangement, allows for precise control of force or torque applied to a moving object by storing energy proportional to displacement and using feedback from sensors to adjust the drive apparatus, enabling quick response to changes and minimizing force fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional rigid force control systems are used, then force control is adequate for normal operation, but force spikes and fluctuations occur when encountering sudden resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce control stabilityVSAvoidforce spikes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an elastic biasing element (spring) between the drive mechanism and the tool that预先 absorbs sudden force spikes and fluctuations when the tool encounters resistance variations. This cushioning element compresses or extends to accommodate force variations, preventing harmful force spikes from being transmitted to the tool while maintaining consistent average force control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the drive element position based on real-time measurement of the elastic element's compression/extension state. By continuously monitoring the displacement of the elastic biasing element and adjusting the drive accordingly, the system maintains precise force control while accommodating sudden resistance changes through parameter feedback and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If rigid force control systems are used, then system structure is simple, but response time is slow when encountering sudden resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where sensors continuously measure the displacement or force state of the elastic biasing element, and this information is fed back to the control system. The control system adjusts the drive element position in real-time based on this feedback, enabling rapid response to resistance changes without requiring complex predictive algorithms or over-engineered rigid systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If conventional motion control systems are used, then motor position control is achieved, but overshoot and undershoot in applied force occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor position controlVSAvoidapplied force precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic biasing element serves as an intermediary between the motor position control system and the actual tool force application. It decouples the position control from direct force transmission, allowing the motor to control position with standard precision while the elastic element smooths out force variations, eliminating overshoot and undershoot in the applied force to the tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively reduces force spikes and fluctuations, allowing for precise and consistent force application, even under varying conditions, with minimal complexity and cost compared to more sophisticated systems, thereby improving process efficiency and accuracy in bore finishing operations.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic biasing element having a first end and a second end, the first end disposed in predetermined relation to the drive element and configured so as to be displaced by the movement thereof to cause the biasing element to elastically store a quantity of energy proportional to the displacement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the second end being disposed in predetermined relation to an output element disposed to move generally axially in cooperation with a feed element of the bore finishing tool to transfer and apply the feed force laterally to the abrasive element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3188865B1Elastic biasing element and encoder arrangement for precise control of force or torque
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 SUNNEN PRODUCTS CO
  • EP3188865B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3188865B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3188865B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus, system, and method using an elastic biasing element in combination with an encoder arrangement for precise control of force or torque applied to a moving object, is applied for controlling a feed force applied to an abrasive element of a bore finishing tool, to respond to changes in the feed force such as can arise from contact with a workpiece bore surface and variations therein, such as tapers, hourglass shapes, barrel shapes, and the like. The elastic biasing element can include a single or multiple springs in one or more sets, and the feed force can be selected to have a constant value or vary as a function of time, position, or other variables or conditions.