Electric Spindle Double Output Epicyclic Reduction Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric spindles with double output require pauses during machining due to the time needed to engage the coupling between milling cutter tools and blade tools, leading to reduced production rates and complex electrical management.

Innovation Solution

An electric spindle with a double output that incorporates an epicyclic reduction unit, allowing continuous operation by meshing the sun pinion with the driving shaft through a sleeve and transverse pin, eliminating the need for electromagnetic coupling and simplifying electrical management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electromagnetic coupling is used to switch between milling cutter tools and blade tools, then tool interchangeability is achieved, but machining pauses occur due to coupling engagement time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool interchangeabilityVSAvoidmachining rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The epicyclic reduction unit is pre-configured and permanently connected to the driving shaft, eliminating the need for real-time coupling engagement. The mechanical structure is prepared in advance to allow immediate tool switching without machining pauses, thus resolving the contradiction between tool versatility and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Extent of automation

If electromagnetic coupling is used for tool switching, then automatic tool changing is enabled, but complex electrical management and control instruments are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic tool changingVSAvoidelectrical management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic coupling system with a purely mechanical epicyclic reduction unit. This substitution eliminates the need for complex electrical management and control instruments while maintaining automatic tool changing capability through mechanical means, thus resolving the contradiction between automation extent and device complexity.

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

3Ease of operation

If electromagnetic coupling is used to rotate the blade tool, then blade tool actuation is achieved, but controlled acceleration is required to prevent coupling slipping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade tool actuationVSAvoidcontrol instrument complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The epicyclic reduction unit provides a direct mechanical connection for blade tool rotation, eliminating the electromagnetic coupling and its associated slipping issues. The mechanical gear system inherently provides controlled acceleration through its gear ratios without requiring additional control instruments, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and control complexity.

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

4Device complexity

If the electric motor is directly connected to the tool, then simple structure is achieved, but the blade tool cannot achieve sufficient cutting speed at large diameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidblade cutting speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The epicyclic reduction unit acts as an intermediary between the electric motor and the blade tool. It provides the necessary speed reduction and torque multiplication to enable the blade tool to achieve sufficient cutting speed at large diameters while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and blade cutting speed.

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

Enables continuous machining without pauses, increases cutting force torque by a factor of three, reduces acceleration time, and simplifies electrical management, while maintaining compatibility with conventional systems and technologies.

Implementation Method 1

an epicyclic reduction unit (16) which acts to reduce the rotation rate of the driving shaft (12) and at the same time increase the torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEpicyclic gearing: Epicyclic Gearing

Implementation Method 2

the sun pinion (17) of the epicyclic reduction unit (16) receiving torque by way of a sleeve (18) that is fixed to the driving shaft (12) by way of a transverse pin (19)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical coupling through pin and sleeve: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2799174B1Electric spindle with double output
Publication Date: 2017.09.13 ESSETRE HLDG
  • EP2799174B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2799174B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2799174B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Electric spindle with double output (10), comprising an electric motor (11) the driving shaft (12) of which actuates at one end a coupling (13) for interchangeable milling cutter tools and the like, and at the opposite end a blade tool (14). The blade tool (14) is supported by a driven secondary shaft (15) that is actuated by the driving shaft (12) by way of the interposition of an epicyclic reduction unit (16).