Grinding Arm With 360° Spindle Rotation For Helix Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grinding arms for internally profiled workpieces face complexity and limited angular range in adjusting the helix angle for grinding helical gears, restricting the flexibility and range of profiles that can be ground.
Innovation Solution
A grinding arm design featuring a second drive system with a toothed belt or chain for 360° rotation of the grinding spindle and carrier body, combined with hydraulic clamping and modular components, allowing for precise adjustment of the helix angle and extended swivel range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional adjustment mechanism is used for the helix angle, then the structure remains simple, but the angular range is limited and adjustment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grinding arm incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the grinding wheel to be tilted and rotated to any position within a 360-degree range. The support body can rotate about an axis perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis and the wheel rotation axis, enabling continuous adjustment of the helix angle without mechanical stops or limited ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds rotational freedom in a second dimension by allowing the support body to rotate about an axis perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis and the wheel rotation axis. This creates a spherical coordinate system for wheel positioning, transforming the adjustment from a single-axis limited range to a multi-dimensional 360-degree capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the grinding wheel is restricted to a limited angular range, then the transmission system remains simple, but the versatility for grinding different profiles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is designed to be dynamically adjustable, with the grinding wheel capable of tilting and rotating to any position. The drive mechanism includes a drive shaft with a toothed belt that can accommodate the full range of motion, and the support body rotation adds another degree of freedom, enabling the system to adapt to any helix angle requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The grinding arm is designed as a universal tool that can grind any profile type including helical gears, internal gears, and complex surfaces. The multi-axis adjustment capability allows a single machine to perform multiple grinding operations that would traditionally require different specialized equipment.
3Manufacturing precision
If clamping devices are added to hold the carrier body, then positioning precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping devices are actuated hydraulically, using fluid pressure to secure the carrier body in the desired position. Hydraulic actuators provide precise, controllable clamping force that can be easily adjusted and maintained, ensuring the grinding wheel remains firmly positioned during operation while allowing for quick repositioning when needed.
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 the grinding of internal and external gears, profiles, and complex surfaces with any helix angle, providing high rigidity, flexibility, and efficient lubrication, while allowing for precise measurement and easy wheel change, expanding the range of grinding capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the second transmission system comprises a second belt, in particular a second toothed belt, or a second chain, which runs (via respective pulleys or pinions) between the two axial ends of the base body
Implementation Method 2
Hydraulic expansion clamping devices can be provided as a preferred embodiment of the clamping devices
Implementation Method 3
The support body is preferably mounted at one axial end of the base body by means of two rolling bearings
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a grinding arm (1) for grinding internally profiled workpieces with a grinding wheel (2), wherein the grinding arm (1) has a tubular base body (3) with a longitudinal axis (L), in one axial end region (4) of which the grinding wheel (2) is mounted and in the other axial end region (5) of which a first drive (6) for the grinding wheel (2) is arranged, wherein the rotary movement from the first drive (6) to the grinding wheel (2) is transmitted by a first transmission system (7).In order to be able to easily adjust any inclination angle of the grinding wheel in the grinding arm, the invention provides that the grinding wheel (2) is arranged on a grinding spindle (8) driven by the first transmission system (7) and rotatable about a rotary axis (A), wherein the grinding spindle (8) is mounted in a support body (9) which is rotatably arranged in the base body (3) about an axis (B) which is perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis (L) and the rotary axis (A), wherein the rotary axis (A) and the axis (B) intersect.