Flexible Automatic Deburring Device for Hub Spoke Cavities

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current deburring processes for hubs require multiple brushes of different sizes and shapes, leading to inefficient use of storage space, increased workload, and low automation levels due to the need for frequent brush replacements.

Innovation Solution

A flexible automatic deburring device with a lifting assembly that adjusts to different hub depths and brush holders with springs allowing brushes to float, ensuring consistent contact with spoke inner cavities, combined with a rotary burr brushing assembly driven by a motor and speed reducer, and positioning and clamping assemblies for secure placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple deburring brushes of different sizes and shapes are stored in the workshop, then hubs with different shapes can be deburred, but storage space is wasted and the workload of replacing brushes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different hub shapesVSAvoidnumber of brushes to be managed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal brush mechanism where a single brush holder can accommodate brushes of different sizes and shapes through adjustable positioning. The brush holder includes a mounting plate with multiple positioning holes and adjustment mechanisms, allowing one brush holder to serve multiple deburring functions for different hub geometries, thereby eliminating the need to store and manage multiple specialized brushes

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

Solution Approach 2:

The brush holder is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, including movable positioning components and replaceable brush modules. This allows the brush configuration to be dynamically changed during operation to match different hub shapes and sizes, providing versatility without requiring a separate fixed brush for each hub type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple deburring brushes of different sizes and shapes are stored in the workshop, then hubs with different shapes can be deburred, but the automation level remains low due to frequent brush replacements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different hub shapesVSAvoidautomation of brush replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The brush holder is pre-configured with multiple positioning holes and adjustment mechanisms that allow operators to pre-set the brush position and orientation before deburring operations. This preliminary configuration enables quick switching between different brush setups without requiring complex replacement procedures, thereby increasing automation level while maintaining adaptability to different hub shapes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a single brush mechanism is used for hubs with the same size but different shapes, then storage space is saved and workload is reduced, but the brush may not consistently contact the spoke inner cavities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of brush typesVSAvoidconsistent contact with spoke inner cavities
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The brush holder incorporates local adjustment mechanisms that allow independent positioning of the brush in multiple directions. This enables precise local adjustment of the brush contact point and angle to match the specific geometry of different hub shapes, ensuring reliable and consistent contact with the spoke inner cavities while using a single universal brush mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The brush holder design allows changing of geometric parameters such as brush position, orientation, and contact pressure through adjustable mechanisms. By modifying these parameters according to the specific hub shape being processed, the system maintains reliable brush contact with the spoke inner cavities across different hub geometries using a single brush mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If the deburring device is designed to accommodate different hub depths, then versatility is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different hub depthsVSAvoidstructure of lifting assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting assembly employs a dynamic height adjustment mechanism that allows the brush holder to be vertically positioned at different heights corresponding to different hub depths. This dynamic adjustability enables a single lifting assembly structure to handle various hub depths without requiring multiple specialized assemblies, balancing versatility with structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient deburring of hubs with the same size but different shapes using a single brush mechanism, reducing the need for multiple brushes, saving storage space, and increasing automation and flexibility in the deburring process.

Implementation Method 1

springs are arranged on the bottom surfaces of brush holders, so that brushes can float up and down to adapt to hubs with different spoke inner cavity shapes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3747599B1Flexible automatic deburring device
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 CITIC DICASTAL CO LTD
  • EP3747599B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3747599B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3747599B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The disclosure relates to the technical field of deburring in machining, in particular to a flexible automatic deburring device, comprising a main body support, a lifting assembly, a rotary burr brushing assembly and positioning and clamping assemblies. The lifting assembly can move up and down to adapt to inner cavities of workpieces with different depths, springs are arranged on the bottom surfaces of brush holders, so that brushes can float up and down to adapt to hubs with different spoke inner cavity shapes, and it is guaranteed that the brushes make contact with spoke inner cavities all the time; in this way, hubs with the same size but different shapes can use the same brush mechanism, it is unnecessary to prepare brushes suitable for all wheel types, thus greatly reducing the workload of replacing deburring brushes, saving the storage space in a workshop and increasing the burr brushing flexibility.