Multi-Tool Chamfering Head for Diverse Toothed Workpieces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chamfering devices lack flexibility to accommodate the diverse geometries and sizes of toothed workpieces, such as gears and shafts, as a single type of chamfering tool may not be suitable for different gears on the same shaft, making it difficult to efficiently chamfer the edge of the root portion of certain gears.

Innovation Solution

A multi-axis and multi-tool chamfering device with a chamfering head that includes two axes of rotation for different types of chamfering tools, allowing for different material removal methods, where the first tool axis and second tool axis are arranged perpendicularly, enabling the use of distinct chamfering tools like a fly cutter and a milling tool for various chamfering operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single type of chamfering tool is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate diverse workpiece geometries and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to handle diverse workpiece geometriesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chamfering device incorporates multiple chamfering tools (fly cutter, milling tool, skiving cutter, grinding wheel) within a single device, enabling it to perform various chamfering operations on different workpiece geometries and sizes. This multi-functionality approach allows one device to replace multiple specialized tools, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The chamfering head is divided into multiple independent tool stations, each housing a different type of chamfering tool. This segmentation allows each tool to be optimized for specific workpiece types while the overall system maintains manageable complexity through modular organization. The tools can be independently selected and operated based on workpiece requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple chamfering tools with different material removal methods are used, then chamfering precision and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechamfering precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device integrates four different chamfering tools that employ distinct material removal methods (milling, skiving, grinding, and fly cutting) into a single chamfering head. This allows the system to achieve high chamfering precision across various workpiece types by selecting the appropriate tool for each specific application, while maintaining a unified device structure that manages complexity through integrated design.

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

3Productivity

If multiple chamfering tools are used, then productivity is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechamfering efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chamfering head is segmented into multiple independent tool stations, each capable of performing chamfering operations. This segmentation enables parallel processing capabilities and allows the operator to quickly switch between tools based on workpiece requirements, thereby enhancing productivity. The modular structure manages complexity by organizing tools into distinct, independently operable units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3801964B1Multi-tool chamfering device for toothed workpieces
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 THE GLEASON WORKS
  • EP3801964B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3801964B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3801964B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A toothed workpiece chamfering device having a chamfering head (2) which includes a first axis of rotation (B) for rotation of a first chamfering tool (6) and a second axis of rotation (T) for rotation of a second chamfering tool (8) wherein the first and second chamfering tools are of different types and their respective material removal methods are also different from one another. Preferably, the first and second axes of rotation are not coincident with one another and in a more preferred arrangement, the first tool axis and the second tool axis are arranged perpendicularly to one another.