Grinding Machine Pivot Axis Offset for Dynamic Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grinding machines with pivotable tool spindles face inefficiencies due to the need for large drive motors to compensate for unequal torques, leading to high power consumption and limited dynamic operation of the pivot axis.
Innovation Solution
The pivot axis is laterally offset relative to the workpiece spindle axis and positioned at the center of mass of the tool spindle and grinding tool, allowing for a smaller drive motor and enabling dynamic operation without the need for excessive holding forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical clamping is used to intercept unequal torques on the tool spindle, then the pivot axis can be used as a setting axis, but it cannot be used dynamically during grinding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static clamping mechanism to a dynamic drive motor system that actively controls the pivot axis position. The drive motor can dynamically adjust and maintain the pivot axis at any desired position during grinding operations, enabling real-time adaptability rather than fixed mechanical clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical clamping system with an electromechanical system using a drive motor. This substitution allows for controlled dynamic operation while reducing the need for complex mechanical clamping structures, as the motor provides active position maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If a drive motor is used to keep the pivot axis in position and move it dynamically, then dynamic operation is enabled, but the power consumption increases due to large holding current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the drive motor parameters by carefully selecting the pivot axis position and tool spindle configuration to minimize the holding current requirement. By adjusting operational parameters such as the pivot axis location relative to the tool spindle center of gravity, the system achieves dynamic operation with reduced energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the pivot axis at or near the center of gravity of the tool spindle assembly, creating a balanced configuration that minimizes the torque and holding force required from the drive motor. This balancing effect reduces the holding current and consequently lowers power consumption during dynamic operation.
3Power
If the pivot axis is positioned at the center of mass of the tool spindle and tool, then a smaller drive motor is required, but the lateral offset from workpiece spindle axis must be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry by positioning the pivot axis laterally offset from the workpiece spindle axis. This asymmetric configuration, combined with aligning the pivot axis with the tool spindle center of gravity, creates an optimized system that reduces drive motor requirements while maintaining functional capability through the offset geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A grinding machine, includes a pivotable tool spindle with a workpiece spindle adapted to receive a gearwheel workpiece and for rotationally driving the gearwheel workpiece about a workpiece spindle axis, wherein the tool spindleis configured to receive a grinding tool and rotationally drive the grinding tool about a tool spindle axis, andis carried by a pivot axis in such a way that the tool spindle together with the grinding tool can be pivoted about the pivot axis, andwherein the pivot axis (A) intersects the workpiece spindle axis (C) in a common plane projection, and wherein the pivot axis is offset laterally relative to the workpiece spindle axis and does not intersect the workpiece spindle axis.