Non-Circular Grinding Control for Surface Temperature and Finish

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Solution Overview

Problem

Grinding of non-circular workpieces using rotational symmetrical grinding wheels faces challenges in optimizing processing parameters, particularly in controlling thermal damage and achieving consistent quality, as existing methods rely heavily on operator experience and do not effectively manage surface temperature variations.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a two-stage grinding process where the first stage focuses on maintaining a constant maximum surface temperature to optimize productivity and the second stage targets the grinding sweet spot for quality, with process parameters determined through iterative calculations to minimize thermal damage and ensure consistent quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If constant stock removal rate or constant spindle power methods are used, then productivity is improved, but thermal damage occurs due to uncontrolled surface temperature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrinding productivityVSAvoidthermal damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the control parameter from stock removal rate or spindle power to surface temperature. By actively controlling the surface temperature parameter through adjusted depth of cut and workpiece rotational speed, the method prevents thermal damage while maintaining high productivity. The surface temperature becomes the primary controlled parameter that dictates other process parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements feedback control by using a thermal model to predict surface temperature based on current process parameters, then adjusting depth of cut and rotational speed to maintain temperature within safe limits. This closed-loop approach ensures thermal damage is prevented while optimizing productivity, as the system continuously adapts parameters based on predicted thermal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If depth of cut or workpiece rotational speed is reduced to prevent thermal damage, then thermal damage is avoided, but grinding cycle time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal damageVSAvoidgrinding cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies dynamics by making the depth of cut and workpiece rotational speed variable throughout the grinding process rather than constant. The parameters are dynamically adjusted based on the predicted surface temperature at each stage, allowing aggressive cutting when temperature is low and reduced cutting when temperature approaches limits. This dynamic adaptation prevents thermal damage without unnecessarily extending cycle time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses preliminary action by calculating the predicted surface temperature using a thermal model before actually performing the grinding operation. This allows the system to pre-determine optimal depth of cut and rotational speed values that will keep temperature within safe limits, rather than reacting to thermal damage after it occurs. The planning phase optimizes the entire cycle time while preventing thermal issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If conventional grinding methods with constant workpiece rotational speed are used, then process simplicity is maintained, but thermal damage occurs and quality consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess complexityVSAvoidthermal damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the workpiece rotational speed from a constant parameter to a variable parameter that is adjusted throughout the grinding process. By varying the rotational speed according to predicted surface temperature conditions, the method prevents thermal damage and ensures consistent quality. This parameter change is implemented through automated control based on thermal modeling, managing the increased complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If operator experience-based cycle design is used, then adaptability to specific cases is achieved, but reproducibility and consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess adaptabilityVSAvoidprocess reproducibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the human operator's experience-based decision-making with an automated thermal model and control system. The thermal model objectively calculates optimal parameters based on workpiece geometry and material properties, eliminating subjectivity and variability in operator judgment. This substitution ensures consistent, reproducible results while maintaining adaptability to different workpiece types through the model's ability to handle various geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3145672B1Method of grinding a workpiece and method for determining processing parameters
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 SCANIA CV AB
  • EP3145672B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3145672B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3145672B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a grinding method for grinding of non-circular workpieces with an improved productivity and quality of the resulting workpiece. The method comprises a first and a second stage. The rotational speed profile of the workpiece in the first stage is controlled with the purpose of maintaining a pre-selected maximum surface temperature of the workpiece during said first stage, and grinding of the workpiece in said second stage is performed while controlling an aggressiveness number of said second stage so as to achieve an intended final surface quality. The present disclosure also relates to a method for determining the processing parameters of such a grinding method wherein the first and the second stage of the grinding method are iterated to thereby determine the processing parameters leading to a high productivity and desired quality of the workpiece after grinding.