External Boring Head Adjustment for Simpler Cross Slide Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing spindle head adjustment devices are complex and costly due to their internal design, leading to increased manufacturing expenses and a complicated structure.

Innovation Solution

A spindle head system with an external spindle head adjustment device that includes two extendable and retractable adjusting elements, allowing for cross slide adjustment without the need for internal stationary components, enabling a simpler and cost-effective design by providing an external mechanism that can be reversibly detached from the spindle head.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an internal adjustment mechanism is used within the spindle head, then cross slide adjustment can be achieved, but the spindle head structure becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross slide adjustmentVSAvoidspindle head structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is extracted from the internal structure of the spindle head and relocated to an external position. The adjustment device now consists of a separate adjustment element that engages with the cross slide from the outside, rather than being integrated within the spindle head housing. This extraction eliminates the need for complex internal adjustment mechanisms while maintaining the cross slide adjustment function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The spindle head system is segmented into distinct functional components: the main spindle head unit and the separate adjustment device. The adjustment element operates independently from the spindle head structure, allowing for simplified design of each component while maintaining their functional relationship through the adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If an internal adjustment mechanism is used within the spindle head, then cross slide adjustment can be achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross slide adjustmentVSAvoidspindle head manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By extracting the adjustment mechanism from the spindle head manufacturing process, the spindle head can be produced using standard, simpler manufacturing methods. The adjustment element is manufactured separately and attached to the cross slide, eliminating the need for complex internal features that would increase manufacturing difficulty and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If adjustment elements are extended into the frame interior, then cross slide adjustment can be achieved, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross slide adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of extending adjustment elements into the frame interior as conventional designs do, the adjustment element is positioned externally and engages with the cross slide from the outside. The adjustment force is applied in the opposite direction to conventional designs, with the adjustment element pressing against the cross slide through the frame rather than extending into it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3936265B1Boring head system with boring head adjusting device
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 CERATIZIT BESIGHEIM GMBH
  • EP3936265B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3936265B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3936265B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In order to provide a spindle head adjustment device (1) for cross slide adjustment which enables cross slide adjustment with a simple and cost-effective design, it is proposed that the spindle head adjustment device (1) has a spindle head frame (10) for mounting on a spindle head (9) supporting a cross slide (4), a first adjustment element (12, 13) and a second adjustment element (12, 13) arranged opposite the first adjustment element (12, 13), wherein the first adjustment element (12, 13) and the second adjustment element (12, 13) are each mounted on the spindle head frame (10) so as to be extendable into and retractable from an inner frame area (11) of the spindle head frame (10).