Induction Coil Assembly Control for Tool Holder Overheating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction coil building units require significant manual intervention and are prone to errors, leading to inefficient operation and potential overheating, especially when adjusting operating parameters for different tool holders, which extends cycle times and poses safety risks.

Innovation Solution

An induction coil building unit with an automated control system that analyzes the temporal and frequency characteristics of coil current, voltage, and input parameters to determine the optimal heating process, ensuring uninterrupted operation and reducing manual interventions by using a control unit with measurement devices to monitor and adjust parameters automatically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of operating parameters is performed for each tool holder, then the induction coil assembly can be adapted to different tool holders, but the cycle times increase and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to different tool holdersVSAvoidcycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically detects the tool holder characteristics and adjusts operating parameters without manual intervention. The system self-regulates by monitoring electrical parameters during heating and adapting the heating process accordingly, eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust settings for each tool holder type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically changes operating parameters (heating power, duration, frequency) based on detected tool holder characteristics. The control unit modifies these parameters in real-time during the heating process based on monitored electrical signals, enabling rapid adaptation to different tool holders without extending cycle times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of operating parameters is performed for each tool holder, then the induction coil assembly can be adapted to different tool holders, but the potential for human error increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to different tool holdersVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors electrical parameters (current, voltage, impedance) during the heating process and uses this feedback to adjust operating conditions. This closed-loop control ensures that the heating process remains within safe parameters and automatically adapts to different tool holder characteristics, eliminating human error in parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects tool holder characteristics and self-regulates the heating process without manual intervention. By eliminating human operators from the adjustment process, the system removes the source of human error while maintaining high adaptability to different tool holder types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If heating duration is extended to ensure proper heating, then complete heating is achieved, but overheating risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating completenessVSAvoidoverheating
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit monitors electrical parameters (current, voltage, impedance changes) during heating and uses this feedback to detect when the tool holder has reached the appropriate temperature. The system automatically terminates or adjusts the heating process based on these real-time measurements, ensuring complete heating without overheating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic monitoring of electrical parameters during the heating process to assess the thermal state of the tool holder. By taking periodic measurements of impedance and current characteristics, the control unit can determine heating progress and stop the process at the optimal point, preventing both incomplete heating and overheating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 automated system significantly reduces cycle times, enhances operational safety, and prevents overheating by automatically adjusting heating parameters, ensuring efficient and safe operation of the induction coil building unit.

Implementation Method 1

thermally expand tool holders using alternating magnetic fields generated by induction coils and the eddy currents thus induced in the tool holders

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

thermally expand tool holders using alternating magnetic fields generated by induction coils and the eddy currents thus induced in the tool holders

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

thermally expand tool holders using alternating magnetic fields generated by induction coils and the eddy currents thus induced in the tool holders

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 4

After the tool holder has cooled down, the tool is then held firmly and symmetrically by the tool holder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentEP4498758A1Induction coil assembly and method for controlling an inductive heating process for an induction coil assembly
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 HAIMER
  • EP4498758A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4498758A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4498758A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an induction coil assembly comprising an induction coil into which a sleeve portion of a tool holder can be inserted, and a method for controlling an inductive heating process for an induction coil assembly with a sleeve portion of a tool holder inserted into an induction coil of the induction coil assembly. To increase the degree of automation and operational reliability of an induction coil assembly, it is provided that during the inductive heating process, a time-dependent or frequency-dependent curve of a coil current and/or a coil voltage and/or an input current and/or an input voltage for the sleeve portion inserted into the induction coil is determined. Furthermore,The (coil current) waveform and/or the (coil voltage) waveform and/or the (input current) waveform and/or the (input voltage) waveform are then analyzed. Based on the analyzed waveform(s), in particular on the behavior of the waveform and/or any changes in the waveform and/or any changes in the waveform, a decision is made as to whether the heating process, especially if continuous, is continued or terminated.