Flexible Machining Tool Structure for Directional Stiffness Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools for machining surfaces, edge regions, and contours lack the ability to provide differential stiffness and flexibility in different directions, leading to suboptimal machining results and tool wear.

Innovation Solution

A tool design featuring a disk-shaped base body with radially extending flexible machining means and strategically arranged disks that allow for varying stiffness and flexibility in different directions, enhancing the tool's performance and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible machining means are arranged radially outward from a single base body, then the tool structure is simple, but the machining means cannot provide differential stiffness in different directions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedifferential stiffness capabilityVSAvoidtool structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-plane base body to a multi-dimensional structure with at least two base bodies arranged at different positions along the tool axis. This dimensional change enables the machining means to experience different stiffness characteristics in different directions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool is segmented into multiple base bodies (at least two) positioned at different locations along the tool axis. Each base body supports machining means that can deform independently, providing differential stiffness capabilities without requiring a completely complex integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If disks are arranged to restrict machining means movement in the tool axis direction, then stiffness in that direction is improved, but the machining means cannot deform freely in the peripheral direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestiffness in tool axis directionVSAvoiddeformation freedom in peripheral direction

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The disks are strategically positioned to provide localized restraint only in the tool axis direction where stiffness is needed, while leaving the peripheral direction unrestricted to allow necessary deformation for machining operations. This creates different mechanical properties in different directions at the same location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The machining means are designed to be dynamically responsive, allowing free deformation in the peripheral direction during operation while maintaining restricted movement in the tool axis direction through the disk arrangement. This dynamic behavior enables both stiffness and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the flexible machining means are allowed to deform freely in all directions, then machining adaptability is improved, but tool wear increases and machining uniformity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining uniformityVSAvoidtool wear resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the machining system by introducing disks that selectively restrict deformation in the tool axis direction while allowing peripheral deformation. This parameter change creates more uniform stress distribution and reduces excessive deformation that leads to premature wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 tool achieves uniform machining and reduced wear by allowing flexible machining means to deform differently in various directions, resulting in improved machining quality and tool longevity.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible machining means have different yielding properties in different load directions. The flexible machining means are deformable in the peripheral direction substantially over the entire length thereof protruding beyond the circumference of the base body. In the direction of the tool axis, they are deformable substantially over the length which protrudes beyond the disks.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12427617B2Tool for machining surfaces, edge regions, and contours

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 VOSTECH AG

AI summary

A tool for machining surfaces, edge regions, and contours comprising at least one disk-shaped base body rotatable around a tool axis and a plurality of flexible machining means, which are arranged on a circumference of the base body, wherein the machining means are formed rod-shaped and are arranged spaced apart from one another and extend substantially radially outward from the circumference of the base body, wherein at least two disks, between which the machining means are arranged, are arranged in the direction of the tool axis.