Electric Actuator Setting System for Rotary Metal Tool Insert Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal working tools face challenges in achieving precise and reproducible setting of inserts, particularly in the micron range, due to manual adjustment systems that lack consistency and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A setting system for metal working tools that employs an electric actuator and adjusting unit, including a piezoelectric actuator and clamping unit, to precisely adjust the insert's position independently of operator intervention, allowing for precise and reproducible setting by exerting a force perpendicular to the tool's rotational axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a manual setting screw is used to adjust the insert position, then the tool can be adapted to different workpiece diameters, but precise and reproducible setting in the μm range cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical setting screw system with an electric actuator system. The electric actuator receives control signals and automatically adjusts the insert position with high precision in the μm range, eliminating operator dependency and ensuring reproducible settings. This substitution of mechanical manual adjustment with an electromechanical automated system directly resolves the contradiction between precision and automation extent.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a setting screw directly acts on the insert to change its radial distance, then the active diameter can be changed, but operator-independent reproducible setting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the electric actuator receives control signals that specify the desired insert position. The system monitors and adjusts the insert's radial distance accordingly, ensuring that the setting is reproduced accurately each time. This feedback loop enables both adaptability to different diameters and reliable reproducibility, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment is used, then the device structure remains simple, but precise setting in the μm range cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electric actuator system with control signal reception capability to replace the simple manual setting screw. While this increases device complexity by adding electromechanical components, it enables precise setting in the μm range that cannot be achieved with manual adjustment alone. The trade-off of increased complexity for significantly improved precision is necessary and acceptable for high-precision metal working applications.
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
Enables precise and reproducible adjustment of the insert's radial distance with respect to the tool's rotational axis, ensuring accurate tool adaptation to workpiece diameters, even in the micron range, while reducing operator dependency and enhancing tool efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electric actuator exerting an adjusting force on the adjusting unit... comprising a piezoelectric actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A setting system (20) for a tool (10) is described, and in particular for a rotary metal working tool, wherein the setting system (20) aligns at least one insert (14) of the tool (10). The setting system (20) comprises an adjusting unit (22), which cooperates with the insert (14), and actuating device (24), which includes at least one electric actuator (26) exerting an adjusting force on the adjusting unit (22). Furthermore, a tool (10) is described.