Grinding Machine Regulating Wheel Drive for Dual Mode Centerless and Between-Centers Grinding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grinding machines either require costly centers for traditional grinding between centers or incur high tool costs and potential loss of centricity in centerless grinding, with complex mode changes and unnecessary drives complicating operations.
Innovation Solution
A grinding machine design where the regulating wheel drive is used for both grinding modes, eliminating the need for a work piece driver and allowing for independent adjustments of the grinding wheel and regulating wheel relative to the work piece, with a pressure sensor for contact pressure measurement and rotational monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If grinding between centers is used, then centricity and precision are improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring centers and work piece drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the work piece driver from the system by using the regulating wheel to perform both driving and grinding functions. This extraction of the unnecessary work piece driver simplifies the device while maintaining the ability to achieve precise centricity through the regulating wheel's controlled rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating wheel is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the driving element for work piece rotation and the grinding element for surface finishing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate work piece driver and grinder components, reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision
2Productivity
If centerless grinding is used, then productivity and cost are improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to loss of centricity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through the regulating wheel's controlled rotation and contact pressure measurement. The regulating wheel's speed and position are regulated to maintain precise control over work piece rotation, ensuring centricity is preserved during high-speed centerless grinding operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the regulating wheel's rotation speed and contact pressure to maintain precise control during centerless grinding. By carefully regulating these parameters, the system achieves both high productivity through continuous processing and maintains manufacturing precision through controlled work piece rotation
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual grinding mode is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring work piece driver and mode change mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The regulating wheel is designed to universally perform both driving and grinding functions in both grinding-between-centers and centerless grinding modes. This multi-functionality allows the machine to operate in multiple modes without requiring separate work piece drivers or complex mode change mechanisms, maintaining adaptability while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts between different grinding modes by adjusting the regulating wheel's position and rotation characteristics. The work piece support can be positioned between centers or on a rest, and the regulating wheel automatically adjusts its function based on the configuration, enabling smooth mode transitions without additional complexity
4Measurement precision
If contact pressure measurement is added, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pressure measurement system is integrated into the existing regulating wheel mechanism, using the same structural components for both driving and measurement functions. The measurement system leverages the natural contact between the regulating wheel and work piece, requiring minimal additional components while achieving precise contact pressure measurement
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
This design enhances flexibility and reliability, simplifies work piece rotation monitoring, reduces construction costs, and allows easy mode changes between grinding between centers and centerless grinding, enabling versatile and efficient processing of multiple work pieces.
Implementation Method 1
The drive of the regulating wheel serves for driving the work piece by means of frictional forces
Data Source
AI summary
A grinding machine for grinding work pieces between centers, as well as for centerless grinding, features a drive for a grinding wheel and a drive for a regulating wheel. The work piece can be supported between the grinding wheel and the regulating wheel either between centers on a work piece axis or on a rest for centerless grinding. The driving axis of the regulating wheel and the work piece axis are parallel, and the wheels can be adjusted relative to the work piece independently of one another. The drive of the regulating wheel serves for driving the work piece while grinding between centers or for driving the work piece during centerless grinding. In addition, a means for measuring the contact pressure of the regulating wheel on the work piece is provided for grinding between centers. This means may consist, for example, of a pressure sensor.