Rotary Grinding Spindle Load Shutdown Before Tool Breakage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rotary grinding machines face challenges with vibrations and spindle load imbalances, leading to tool breakage and workpiece damage due to high drive speeds and unfavorable length/diameter ratios, which existing control systems fail to adequately address, resulting in reduced machining safety and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A spindle load detection device monitors the spindle load in real-time, shutting down the machine when the load exceeds a predetermined limit to prevent tool breakage, allowing for safer operation and increased tool lifespan with dynamic feed control adjustments based on load conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the spindle motor operates at high drive speeds (e.g., 40,000 rpm) to maintain productivity, then work performance is improved, but vibrations increase and tool breakage risk rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework performanceVSAvoidmachining safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs preliminary action by monitoring spindle load continuously and proactively shutting down the spindle motor before the tool actually breaks. The shutdown trigger is set at a predetermined limit that is deliberately lower than the breaking load, creating a safety margin that prevents tool failure while maintaining high-speed operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously measuring spindle load and using this information to control the spindle motor operation. The control device receives load information, compares it against the predetermined limit, and adjusts operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism that enables high-speed operation without compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the spindle load is reduced to prevent vibrations and tool breakage, then machining safety is improved, but work performance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining safetyVSAvoidwork performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of spindle load by dynamically adjusting operation based on real-time load conditions. Instead of maintaining a fixed conservative load level, the system allows the spindle to operate at varying loads up to the predetermined safety limit, optimizing both safety and productivity through parameter adaptation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the predetermined limit is set close to the breaking load to maximize productivity, then work performance is improved, but the risk of tool breakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece outputVSAvoidtool breakage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies beforehand cushioning by establishing a predetermined safety margin between the operating limit and the actual breaking load. This cushioning buffer zone allows the system to operate at high productivity levels while maintaining a protective margin that prevents tool breakage, effectively cushioning against the harmful effects of excessive load

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 solution enables safe and efficient operation of rotary grinding machines by preventing tool breakage, allowing for longer tool service life and higher workpiece output, while reducing noise and improving machining cycles by dynamically adjusting feed rates based on spindle load.

Implementation Method 1

The spindle load detection device can have a current pickup, for example, which detects the current motor current of the spindle motor every millisecond

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCurrent detection: Ohmmeter

Implementation Method 2

the workpiece is typically destroyed at the same time, and the surrounding areas may even be affected due to the enormous centrifugal force at 40,000 rpm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3825058A1Machine tool and method for operating a machine tool
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 HUBER MARTIN
  • EP3825058A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3825058A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3825058A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a machine tool, in particular a rotary grinding machine, comprising a tool spindle, a spindle motor, and a tool clamped in a collet chuck, with which a workpiece movable in multiple axes relative to the tool can be machined, and a control device for the tool spindle that controls the spindle motor. A spindle load detection device (24) connected to the control device (20) is provided, and the control device (20) compares the output signal (26) of the spindle load detection device (24) with a predetermined limit value (50), which limit value (50) is below, in particular at least 20% below, the breaking load (54) of the tool (18). The control device (20) switches off the spindle motor (14) when the output signal (26) of the spindle load detection device (24) exceeds the limit value (50).