Lathe Tool Holder Oscillation Mechanism for Chip Breaking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lathe machines face inefficiencies due to long swarf or chips that can damage workpieces and tools, and clog cooling liquid nozzles, with prior solutions limiting vibration frequency and amplitude due to heavy carriage movement, leading to reduced productivity and maintenance downtime.

Innovation Solution

A tool holding device with a pulse spindle featuring a lateral surface with irregularities and elastic elements, allowing for oscillations in a tool holder, adjustable amplitude, and the ability to generate vibrations in multiple directions, enabling effective chip breaking and improved surface finish.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the entire carriage or cross slide is moved back and forth to generate vibrations, then chip breaking is achieved, but the heavy mass limits vibration frequency and amplitude, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip breaking effectivenessVSAvoidcutting speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the oscillation generation function from the heavy carriage structure. Instead of moving the entire carriage, a dedicated oscillation mechanism with a pulse spindle and elastic element is introduced to generate vibrations independently, enabling high-frequency oscillations without being constrained by carriage mass

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs mechanical vibration through a pulse spindle with lateral irregularities that interact with an elastic element to generate controlled oscillations in the tool holder. This mechanical vibration system enables effective chip breaking while maintaining high cutting speeds by operating independently of the carriage's inertial constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Productivity

If a pulse spindle with lateral irregularities and elastic elements is used to generate oscillations, then chip length is reduced and productivity is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting speedVSAvoidoscillation mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention integrates the oscillation generation components (pulse spindle, lateral irregularities, elastic element) into a compact assembly that attaches to the existing tool holder. This merging approach consolidates multiple functions into a unified mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic element serves as an intermediary between the pulse spindle's lateral irregularities and the tool holder. It transmits and amplifies the oscillations generated by the rotating pulse spindle, enabling effective chip breaking while isolating the complexity of the oscillation mechanism from the main carriage structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device effectively reduces chip length, enhances productivity, and minimizes maintenance downtime by generating controlled oscillations that break chips into smaller pieces, ensuring smooth surface finishes and efficient cooling liquid distribution.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastic element, thus a spring, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, an elastomer or any other suitable type of elastic element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the irregularity is generating an oscillation in the tool holder when the pulse spindle is rotating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4461443A1Tool holding device for a turning application and lathe comprising such a tool holding device
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 VIBICORE AB
  • EP4461443A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4461443A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4461443A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Tool holding device (1) for a turning machine, the tool holding device comprising a housing (2) and a first oscillation mechanism (5), the first oscillation mechanism (5) comprising: a tool holder (12) with an oscillator bearing (26) for holding a tool (28); an elastic element (4) between the tool holder (12) and the housing (2); a pulse spindle (10) mounted in the housing (2) and abutting the oscillator bearing (26) with a lateral surface (21), which is substantially cylindrical and interrupted by at least one irregularity (22). The at least one elastic element (4) is arranged for pushing the tool holder (12) towards the lateral surface (21) of the pulse spindle (10), so that a rotation of the pulse spindle (10) generates an oscillation in the tool holder (12) due to the irregularity (22) in the lateral surface (21) of the pulse spindle (10).