Machine Tool Decoupling Disk for Thermal Gap Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-side or one-side machine tools face challenges in maintaining a reliably controllable working gap due to thermal effects, leading to stress and geometry changes between the working disk and the support disk.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of decoupling means, such as bearings or elastic prestressing elements, to reduce the frictional force between the working disk and the support disk, allowing for relative movement and minimizing thermal-induced geometry changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the working disk is directly clamped to the support disk with high frictional force, then the working disk is securely held, but thermal expansion causes lasting stresses and geometry changes
Solution Approach 1:
A decoupling element is introduced between the working disk and support disk to act as a mediator. This element allows relative movement between the two disks during thermal expansion, preventing the buildup of lasting stresses while maintaining secure holding through elastic prestressing elements that provide controlled friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between working disk and support disk is made dynamic rather than rigid. The decoupling element with elastic prestressing allows the system to adapt to thermal changes by permitting controlled relative movement, transforming a static rigid connection into a dynamic adaptive connection that maintains precision despite temperature changes.
2Manufacturing precision
If the frictional force between working disk and support disk is reduced, then thermal-induced geometry changes are minimized, but the working disk may become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The frictional force parameter is dynamically adjusted through elastic prestressing elements. These elements maintain an optimized friction level that is sufficient to hold the working disk stably during operation but low enough to permit relative movement during thermal expansion, thus balancing stability with thermal adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupling element with elastic prestressing provides beforehand cushioning by allowing controlled movement before thermal stresses can build up into damaging forces. This preventive mechanism cushions the system against thermal shocks and prevents geometry changes before they occur.
3Temperature
If cooling channels are introduced to control temperature, then thermal expansion is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex cooling channel system is extracted and replaced by a simpler decoupling mechanism. Instead of actively cooling the working disk to prevent thermal expansion, the invention extracts the temperature control function and replaces it with a mechanical decoupling element that passively accommodates thermal changes, significantly reducing device complexity.
4Stress or pressure
If the working disk is allowed to move relative to the support disk, then thermal stresses are reduced, but positioning precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The frictional force parameter is precisely controlled through elastic prestressing to change the interaction characteristics between working disk and support disk. The prestressing force is optimized to provide sufficient friction for stable positioning while allowing controlled slip during thermal expansion, thus maintaining positioning precision while reducing thermal stresses.
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
This approach effectively minimizes lasting stresses and local or global geometry changes caused by thermal expansion, ensuring a stable working gap and maintaining the machining quality.
Implementation Method 1
decoupling means for at least partially decoupling the first working disk from the first support disk... to reduce the frictional force between the working disk and the support disk
Implementation Method 2
a change in the working gap arises between the working disks due to the process heat which arises during machining. In particular, a heat-related deformation of the working disks occurs
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool includes a first support disk and a first working disk. The first working disk defines a clamping surface and is fastened to the first support disk. A counter bearing element is positioned relative to the first working disk such that a working gap is formed between the first working disk and the counter bearing element and is dimensioned to accept a flat workpiece. A first clamping arrangement clamps the clamping surface of the first working disk to the first support disk such that the clamping surface faces away from the working gap. At least one decoupling element is positioned to at least one decoupling element configured to reduce friction between the first support disk and the first working disk.