Electromagnetic Rod Clamping Tool for Precise Small-Diameter Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current machining systems for rods are energy-inefficient, bulky, and lack precision, particularly when dealing with small diameters, due to reliance on pneumatic or hydraulic systems that require fluid leakage and frequent part replacement, limiting angular speed and machining precision.

Innovation Solution

A compact electrical driving tool with a first and second stator, rotor, and elastically deformable hollow driving element that adjusts internal diameter to clamp or release rods, using electromagnetic fields for rotation and reducing energy consumption, allowing for faster and more precise machining.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If pneumatic or hydraulic systems are used to clamp and drive rods, then clamping force is sufficient, but energy consumption increases due to fluid leakage and system bulk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pneumatic or hydraulic systems with an electromagnetic clutch system. The electromagnetic clutch uses magnetic fields to engage and disengage the clamping mechanism, eliminating the need for compressed air or pressurized hydraulic fluid. This substitution reduces energy consumption by eliminating fluid leakage while maintaining sufficient clamping force through electromagnetic attraction between the clutch members.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates the fluid management system (pneumatic or hydraulic components) from the clamping mechanism. By removing the need for circulating fluids, seals, and fluid treatment systems, the patent reduces both energy consumption and system complexity while maintaining the essential clamping function through the electromagnetic clutch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Force

If pneumatic or hydraulic systems are used, then clamping capability is achieved, but device size increases and precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping capabilityVSAvoidsystem size
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces bulky pneumatic or hydraulic systems with a compact electromagnetic clutch assembly. The electromagnetic clutch consists of magnetically attractable members that can be engaged or disengaged by applying or removing a magnetic field, eliminating the need for fluid reservoirs, pumps, valves, and extensive piping. This results in a significantly more compact device with fewer moving parts and reduced overall system size.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention discards the complex fluid management infrastructure (reservoirs, pumps, filters, treatment systems) and recovers only the essential clamping function through a simplified electromagnetic mechanism. This elimination of unnecessary components reduces device complexity while maintaining clamping capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Device complexity

If electromagnetic clutch systems are used, then compactness is achieved, but adaptation to free rods without mechanical connexion means is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompactnessVSAvoidadaptation to free rods
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electromagnetic clutch into a stationary member and a rotatable member, each with independent functional characteristics. The stationary member can be fixed to the rod or rod holder, while the rotatable member engages with the rod's surface. This segmentation allows the clutch to adapt to free rods without requiring pre-installed mechanical connection means, as the electromagnetic fields can interact with the rod material directly or through simple contact surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic clutch design provides multi-functionality by enabling both clamping and rotational driving functions through a single integrated system. The same electromagnetic fields that provide clamping force can also transmit rotational motion to the rod, eliminating the need for separate mechanical connection means and enhancing adaptability to various rod configurations.

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 solution enables efficient, precise, and cost-effective machining of small-diameter rods with reduced energy consumption and increased angular speed, improving machining precision and reducing the need for fluid management and part replacement.

Implementation Method 1

The rotation of the rotors is generated by electrical power, using electromagnetic fields

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The driving element is an elastically deformable, hollow element, the diameter of which can be modified according to the relative angular position of its first and second ends

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4069463B1Driving tool for clamping and driving a rod involved in machining operations and method using the same
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 HAUTE ECOLE ARC
  • EP4069463B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4069463B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4069463B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a driving tool (1) for driving a rod (R) in rotation, comprising two stators (10, 20), two rotors (11, 21), two connexion means (12, 22) and a driving element (3) connected to the two connection means (12, 22), wherein the driving element (3) is elastically deformable, and wherein the relative angular position of the two rotors can be modulated. The present invention also covers a machine (M) comprising such a driving tool (1) as well as a method of machining a rod (R) using the same.