Microstop Bearing Assembly for Concentric Tool Depth Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microstop adapters for drilling, milling, or countersinking tools often result in poor concentricity and inconsistent angular position of the tool head, leading to reduced machining quality due to incorrect mounting or play between the adapter and the tool head.

Innovation Solution

A stop mechanism featuring a radial roller bearing and an axial roller bearing, allowing the stop sleeve to be freely rotatable and axially positioned on the tool shank, ensuring precise concentricity and defined angular alignment, with optional locking mechanisms for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a microstop adapter with a freely rotatable stop sleeve is used, then the stop sleeve can rotate freely about the tool head, but poor concentricity of the tool head results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefree rotation of stop sleeveVSAvoidconcentricity of tool head
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing assembly is segmented into multiple components: outer bearing ring, inner bearing ring, bearing cups, and bearing balls. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to maintain concentricity during free rotation of the stop sleeve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing assembly acts as an intermediary between the stop sleeve and the tool head, enabling free rotation while maintaining precise concentricity. The bearing cups and balls provide a controlled interface that mediates the rotational motion without compromising alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the stop sleeve is mounted with play between the adapter and tool head, then adjustment is easier, but angular position consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of stop sleeveVSAvoidangular position consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing assembly provides dynamic support that allows the stop sleeve to be adjusted and positioned freely, yet once positioned, the bearing structure maintains precise angular orientation. The bearing balls roll within the bearing cups, providing smooth adjustment while maintaining consistent angular position during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a simple bearing structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but concentricity and angular position precision are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure of bearing assemblyVSAvoidconcentricity and angular position
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing assembly is divided into distinct segments (outer ring, inner ring, cups, balls) that can be manufactured separately with high precision and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific dimensional requirements, achieving high overall precision without requiring the entire assembly to be manufactured as a single complex piece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration enhances the precision and accuracy of drilling, milling, or countersinking operations by maintaining optimal concentricity and defined immersion depth, allowing for consistent machining results even with rough handling.

Implementation Method 1

a stop for a rotating drilling, milling or countersinking tool with a stop sleeve (16) which is coupled with a radial roller bearing (14), in particular a radial ball bearing, so that it can rotate freely around the tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling contact: Roller

Implementation Method 2

an axial roller bearing (48), in particular an axial ball bearing, is additionally provided, with a housing washer (62) of the axial roller bearing being supported on the stop sleeve (16) and a shaft washer (64) of the axial roller bearing being supported on the shaft sleeve (22)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling contact: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP3592489B1Stop for a drilling, milling or countersinking tool
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 GUEHRING KG
  • EP3592489B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3592489B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a stop (112) for a rotating drilling, milling or countersinking tool (10) comprising a stop sleeve (16) coupled to a radial rolling bearing (14) in such a way that it freely rotates about the tool (10), an outer bearing bush (18) of the radial rolling bearing (14) being attached to the stop sleeve (16) and an inner bearing bush (20) of the radial rolling bearing (14) being attached to a shaft sleeve (22) that can be attached to a tool shaft (28) of the tool (10). According to the invention, an axial rolling bearing (48) is also provided, a housing washer (62) of the axial rolling bearing (48) being supported on the stop sleeve (16) and a shaft washer (64) of the axial rolling bearing (48) being supported on the shaft sleeve (22). In a secondary aspect, the invention relates to a drilling, milling or countersinking tool (10) provided with such a stop (112).