Induction Coil Shielding for Adaptable Tool Shrink Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction heating devices for shrink-clamping and unshrink-unclamping processes lack the ability to efficiently adapt to different tool sizes and configurations, leading to suboptimal heating control and reduced process efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The induction heating device incorporates a shielding unit that forms a tool gripper unit, allowing for adjustable positioning and shielding of the induction magnetic field. This configuration enables efficient heating of the tool holder while preventing the tool from being heated, allowing for precise control and adaptation to various tool sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the induction heating device uses a fixed shielding unit configuration, then the magnetic field shielding is stable, but the device cannot adapt to different tool sizes and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding unit is designed with movable shielding elements that can be adjusted along the axial direction relative to the induction coil. This dynamic configuration allows the shielding unit to adapt to different tool sizes and shapes while maintaining effective magnetic field shielding. The movable elements enable the system to change its geometry dynamically rather than being fixed, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding unit is integrated with tool gripper functionality, creating a multi-functional component that serves both as a magnetic field shield and as a tool holding mechanism. This universal design reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining adaptability to various tool configurations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the shielding unit is positioned close to the induction coil for effective shielding, then magnetic field shielding is improved, but the tool cannot be properly gripped and positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding elements are made movable along the axial direction, allowing them to be positioned close to the induction coil during heating operations for effective magnetic field shielding, and then moved away to allow proper tool gripping and positioning. This dynamic adjustment resolves the spatial conflict between shielding effectiveness and operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding unit is divided into multiple movable shielding elements rather than a single fixed structure. This segmentation allows different portions of the shielding unit to be independently adjusted, enabling effective shielding in the heating zone while maintaining clear access for tool gripping operations in other areas.
3Ease of manufacture
If the induction heating device heats the tool along with the tool holder, then the heating process is simpler, but the tool may be damaged by excessive heat
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding unit is strategically positioned and configured to provide selective magnetic field shielding that allows the induction heating to affect primarily the tool holder while protecting the tool from excessive heating. This local differentiation of heating zones ensures the tool holder receives sufficient heat for expansion without damaging the tool, resolving the contradiction between heating simplicity and tool protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding unit acts as an intermediary element between the induction coil and the tool, controlling the distribution of magnetic field energy. It mediates the heating process by allowing energy penetration to the tool holder while blocking excessive energy from reaching the tool, thus protecting the tool from damage while maintaining heating effectiveness.
4Volume of moving object
If the shielding unit and induction heating unit are integrated as fixed components, then the device structure is compact, but the positioning and shielding region cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining a compact integrated structure, the shielding elements are made movable along the axial direction relative to the induction coil. This dynamic capability allows the shielding region to be adjusted and specified variablely according to different tool requirements, resolving the contradiction between structural compactness and adaptability without requiring separate units.
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 solution enhances the speed and accuracy of the shrink-clamping process by allowing for rapid tool insertion and removal, reduces energy consumption, and achieves a compact station design by integrating the shielding and gripper functions.
Implementation Method 1
an induction heating unit (16) comprising at least one induction coil (20) which is configured to expand, by heating, at least a portion of the tool holder (14) during a shrink-clamping and/or unshrink-unclamping process
Implementation Method 2
with at least one shielding unit (22) which is at least configured for a shielding of an induction magnetic field generated by the induction heating unit (16)
Implementation Method 3
at least one shielding unit (22) which is at least configured for a shielding of an induction magnetic field generated by the induction heating unit (16) at least substantially at least in an axial direction of the induction coil (20)
Data Source
AI summary
An induction heating device for a shrink-clamping and/or unshrink-unclamping of tools into and/or from tool holders, in particular an induction heating unit of a shrink-clamping and/or unshrink-unclamping station for tools, comprises an induction heating unit comprising at least one induction coil which is configured to expand, by heating, at least a portion of the tool holder during a shrink-clamping and/or unshrink-unclamping process, and includes at least one shielding unit which is at least configured for a shielding of an induction magnetic field generated by the induction heating unit at least substantially at least in an axial direction of the induction coil, wherein the induction heating unit and the shielding unit form structural units which can be operatively decoupled from each other and can thus be moved relative to each other at least in the axial direction.