Involute Profile Milling Tool for Gear Flank Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for profile milling of tooth flanks require a large number of specialized concave milling tools, leading to high costs and limited universal usability, as they need to closely approximate the tooth flank profile, resulting in restricted application and increased tooling expenses.

Innovation Solution

The use of a milling tool with a milling profile that has at least a partially involute course, allowing for section-wise milling with reduced profile deviations and enabling universal applicability by approximating any convex tooth flank shape with a smaller number of sections, and using a finger-shaped end mill for profile milling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a concave milling tool with a milling profile closely approximating the tooth flank profile is used, then manufacturing precision of the tooth flank is improved, but device complexity and the number of required milling tools increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetooth flank profile accuracyVSAvoidnumber of milling tools
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a universal milling tool with a standard involute milling profile that can machine different tooth flank profiles by varying the setting angle, rather than requiring specialized concave milling tools for each tooth profile. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of tools needed while maintaining manufacturing precision through angular adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of the milling tool's setting angle relative to the workpiece to adapt the standard involute milling profile to different tooth flank profiles. By adjusting the setting angle, the same tool can accurately machine various tooth geometries without requiring multiple specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple specialized concave milling tools are used to accurately machine different tooth flanks, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of substance increases due to undercuts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetooth flank profile accuracyVSAvoidmaterial removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The universal milling tool with standard involute profile and adjustable setting angle eliminates the need for multiple specialized concave tools, thereby reducing excessive material removal. The angular adjustment capability allows the tool to accurately machine different tooth profiles without creating undercuts that would require material addition for compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adapting the milling tool profile to match each tooth flank profile (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using a standard involute milling profile and adapting it to different tooth profiles through angular adjustment. This inversion eliminates the undercut problem associated with concave tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If a standard involute milling tool is used for section-wise milling, then device complexity is reduced and universal applicability is improved, but manufacturing precision may deteriorate due to profile deviations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemilling tool designVSAvoidtooth flank profile accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The standard involute milling tool with adjustable setting angle achieves universal applicability for different tooth profiles while maintaining manufacturing precision. The angular adjustment compensates for profile deviations, allowing the standard tool to accurately machine various tooth geometries without requiring complex specialized designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the setting angle parameter of the standard involute milling tool, the patent maintains manufacturing precision across different tooth profiles. The angular adjustment optimizes the cutting path and contact points, compensating for profile deviations and ensuring accurate tooth flank machining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If section-wise milling with a standard milling tool is used, then productivity is improved by reducing the number of tools, but manufacturing precision may be compromised due to the need for multiple positioning operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemilling speedVSAvoidtooth flank profile accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes in the setting angle to maintain manufacturing precision during section-wise milling with a standard tool. The angular adjustment optimizes each cutting section, compensating for positioning variations and ensuring consistent profile accuracy across multiple operations, thereby maintaining productivity without sacrificing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2442937B1Method and tool device for profile milling
Publication Date: 2014.05.07 WFL MILLTURN TECH
  • EP2442937B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2442937B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and to a device (1) for profile-milling at least one tooth face (4) of a tooth (3) from a workpiece (2), with a workpiece (2), a milling tool (5) having a concave milling profile (8) that deviates at least partially from the tooth face (4) to be milled, with a tool holder (6) that holds the milling tool (5) and can move the same at least in three degrees of freedom (x, y, z), and with a controller (7) connected to the tool holder (6), said controller being connecting to the tool holder (6) between at least two milling sections (A1, A2) of the tooth face (4) for positioning the milling tool (5) on the workpiece (2). In order to create advantageous conditions, it is proposed for the milling tool (5) to have a milling profile (8) with an involute progression (10) at least in some areas.