Inductive Heating Adapter Holder for Precise Shrink-Fit Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adapters for machine tools face challenges in precise mounting, handling during heating processes, and energy efficiency, particularly when used with collet chucks, as they are difficult to handle and often require separate heating, leading to inefficiencies and potential thermal stress.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base part and a heating part with an induction coil for inductive heating, where the heating part is displaceable to ensure precise positioning and efficient heating of adapters, and a holding device made from non-conductive materials to prevent self-heating and secure the adapter, allowing for repeatable and precise mounting with minimal thermal stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If adapters are heated separately before insertion into collet chucks, then the heating process can be controlled, but the handling becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adapter heating function with the collet chuck by integrating a heating element directly into the chuck body. This allows the adapter to be heated in-situ during the tool change process, eliminating separate heating operations and simplifying the overall workflow while maintaining precise temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet chuck with integrated heating element performs the heating function automatically as part of its normal operation. The system self-services by providing both the clamping and heating functions through a single device, reducing the need for external heating equipment and manual intervention.
2Reliability
If a replacement shrink-fit chuck is heated along with the adapter, then the adapter can be securely mounted, but excessive energy is consumed and thin-walled adapter sections are subjected to thermal stress
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is positioned to apply heat locally only to the adapter where needed for expansion, rather than heating the entire chuck assembly. This localized heating approach reduces overall energy consumption and prevents excessive thermal stress on thin-walled adapter sections while still achieving secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of heating the entire chuck and adapter assembly uniformly, the system applies partial heating only to the specific regions of the adapter that require thermal expansion for mounting. This avoids unnecessary energy expenditure and prevents overheating of sensitive areas.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the adapter is heated in-situ during the shrinking process, then energy consumption is reduced and handling is simplified, but precise positioning and secure holding during heating is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the holding and heating functions into a single integrated system. The collet chuck provides both the mechanical clamping to secure the adapter and the integrated heating element to perform in-situ heating, ensuring the adapter remains precisely positioned throughout the heating process without requiring separate handling fixtures.
4Ease of manufacture
If adapters with thin-walled sections are heated using conventional methods, then the heating process is simple, but the thin-walled sections are subjected to excessive thermal stress
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is designed to provide localized, controlled heating that targets only the specific areas of the adapter requiring expansion. This prevents excessive thermal stress on thin-walled sections by avoiding uniform overheating while maintaining process simplicity through direct integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls heating parameters (temperature, duration, distribution) to match the specific requirements of thin-walled adapter sections. By adjusting these parameters, the process remains simple while preventing excessive thermal stress through precise thermal management.
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 enables precise, repeatable mounting of adapters with reduced energy consumption and thermal stress, improving handling and efficiency in the shrinking process, allowing for easy insertion and secure holding of tools with enhanced mechanical stability and flexibility in adapter design.
Implementation Method 1
at least one induction coil is provided in the heating element. This coil is configured to generate alternating electromagnetic fields within its interior, where the mounted adapter is located during operation of the device according to the invention
Implementation Method 2
These fields induce eddy currents in the adapter, causing it to heat up due to its ohmic resistance
Implementation Method 3
They are heated until the tool expands due to thermal expansion, allowing the tool to be inserted
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for heating adapters (100) for holding tools for use in machine tools, comprising a base part (30) in which an adapter (100) for inserting or removing the tool can be arranged such that the insertion direction of the tool extends towards the base part (30), and a heating element (20) which is configured to heat the adapter (100) arranged in the base part (30), wherein the base part (30) and the heating element (20) are displaceable relative to each other in the insertion direction of the tool. The base part (30) includes a holding device (36) which is configured to hold the adapter (100) in a fixed position on the base part during heating. The invention further relates to a system formed from such a device and an adapter, and to a method for operating the device.