Electric Band Saw Actuation Without Hydraulic Viscosity Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hydraulic/pneumatic machine tools for cutting materials face limitations in speed, precision, and sustainability due to temperature-dependent viscosity changes in fluids, leading to performance degradation and increased maintenance needs, along with waste generation from oil and filter replacements.

Innovation Solution

A completely electric band saw machine tool with electrical handling systems for all moving parts, including blade-guiding arms, vices, arch, and carriage, eliminating the need for oleodynamic/pneumatic systems and utilizing electric motors and recirculating ball screws or racks for precise and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If hydraulic/pneumatic systems are used to drive moving parts, then the machine can operate with continuous motion, but the speed and precision are limited due to temperature-dependent viscosity changes in the fluids

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement speedVSAvoidprecision maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic/pneumatic system with a completely electric system. Electric motors (specifically brushless motors with absolute encoders) drive all moving parts including the arch, blade tensioner, vices, and advance carriage. This substitution eliminates the viscosity issues inherent in hydraulic fluids, enabling faster and more precise movement while maintaining consistent performance across varying temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If hydraulic fluids are used in the machine system, then continuous operation is possible, but waste is generated from oil and filter replacements requiring disposal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidwaste from oil and filter replacements
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The electric system replaces hydraulic components entirely, eliminating the need for hydraulic oil and filters. This substitution removes the source of waste generation while maintaining continuous operation capability through the reliability of electric motors and their associated control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If electric actuators are used for moving parts, then speed and precision are improved, but the device complexity increases compared to traditional hydraulic systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting speed and precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a standardized electric actuation system across all moving parts. Multiple brushless motors with absolute encoders are used for the arch, blade tensioner, vices, and advance carriage. This universal approach, while technologically advanced, simplifies the overall control architecture compared to managing multiple different hydraulic components, and enables precise, synchronized control of all machine elements.

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

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 electric machine tool enhances speed and precision, reduces maintenance requirements, and eliminates waste associated with hydraulic fluids, resulting in improved performance and ecological sustainability.

Implementation Method 1

the machine tool (10) includes an electrical handling system (20, 21, 22, 23) suitable for moving the different moving parts... each electrical handling system (20, 21, 22, 23) includes a brushless motor with multiturn absolute encoder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The electrical handling systems (20, 21, 22 and 23) include recirculating ball screws and/or racks and electric motors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBall bearing reduction of friction: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentEP4331763A1Processing machine for cutting materials
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 RUSCH SRL
  • EP4331763A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP4331763A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP4331763A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5A

AI summary

Machine tool (10) for cutting a workpiece (100), preferably a fully electric band saw machine comprising: - two blade-guiding arms (11); - a fixed vice (12); - a carriage vice (13); - an arch 40; - an advance carriage (50); - a blade tensioner (60). Advantageously, these elements included in said machine tool are moved by corresponding electrical handling systems (20; 21; 22; 23).