Electrochemical Machining Tool with Movable Electrode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochemical machining methods for fuel injection devices face difficulties in accessing and effectively deburring undercut areas due to challenges in positioning the electrode for optimal working gap formation, leading to suboptimal material removal rates and unreliable electrical contacting.

Innovation Solution

A tool with a movably arranged electrode element relative to the electrode holder, allowing independent adjustment of the electrode element's position and working gap via an actuating element, enabling precise machining of hard-to-reach areas with high material removal rates and reliable electrical contacting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed electrode holder is used for electrochemical machining, then the electrode position is stable, but it is difficult to position the electrode optimally in undercut areas and adjust the working gap

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode positioningVSAvoidtool structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode element is made movable relative to the electrode holder through a pivotable connection, allowing dynamic adjustment of the electrode position and working gap. This enables the electrode to be positioned optimally in undercut areas while maintaining a relatively simple overall tool structure through the use of a single degree of freedom movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the electrode is positioned to access undercut areas, then accessibility is improved, but the working gap becomes difficult to control and material removal rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to machining areasVSAvoidmaterial removal rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable electrode element allows the electrode to be dynamically positioned to access undercut areas while maintaining an optimal working gap distance. The actuating element enables precise control of the electrode position, ensuring that the working gap remains within the optimal range for high material removal rates even when machining difficult-to-access areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If manual preparatory and post-processing steps are used, then complex machining areas can be handled, but production time increases and quality consistency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeburring qualityVSAvoidproduction volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool with the movably arranged electrode element is designed to automatically adapt to the workpiece geometry and maintain optimal working gap throughout the machining process. This self-adjusting capability enables the electrochemical machining process to handle complex undercut areas with high precision while maintaining consistent quality and high productivity, eliminating the need for manual preparatory and post-processing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient deburring of fuel injection devices, particularly in undercut areas, with improved material removal rates and reduced need for manual processing steps, facilitating high-quality and high-volume production.

Implementation Method 1

An electrolyte liquid can be supplied to the machining area, as a result of which electrochemical reactions take place on the electrode connected as the cathode and on the workpiece connected as the anode.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reactions: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

the electrochemical machining of a fuel injection device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical machining:

Data Source

PatentEP1893379B1Tool for the electrochemical machining of a fuel injection device
Publication Date: 2012.03.28 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP1893379B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1893379B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1893379B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a tool (12, 112) for the electrochemical machining of a fuel injection device (10, 110), said tool comprising an electrode holder (22, 122) and an electrode element (24, 124) which forms a cathode during the machining of the fuel injection device (10, 110), in order to be able to electrochemically remove material from the fuel injection device (10, 110) in a machining region (18). The electrode element (24, 124) is arranged in such a way that it can be displaced in relation to the electrode holder (22, 122).