Orbital Grinder Braking Mechanism for Defined Pad Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Orbital grinding machines face issues with the mounting plate coming to a standstill in an undefined position and continuing to rotate after the motor is switched off, which delays the automated wheel-changing process.

Innovation Solution

A braking device with a fixed frame, a leaf spring, and a lever connected to a pneumatic or electric actuator is integrated into the machine tool, allowing the actuator to tension the spring and press the lever against the mounting plate to brake it into a defined angular position, preventing further rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the motor is switched off, then energy consumption is reduced, but the mounting plate continues to rotate for a relatively long time, delaying the changing process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidtime for wheel changing
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The braking device is activated before the motor is switched off to counteract the rotational momentum of the mounting plate. The actuator engages the brake pad against the mounting plate surface, creating friction that opposes the rotation and brings the plate to a controlled stop, preventing the delay in the wheel changing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Device complexity

If the mounting plate is allowed to stop freely, then the device complexity is reduced, but the mounting plate comes to a stop in an undefined position, complicating the automated changing process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidease of automated wheel changing
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The braking device incorporates a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically positions the brake pad against the mounting plate without requiring external intervention. The spring maintains constant pressure to ensure the plate stops at a predetermined position, enabling the automated changing system to reliably locate and service the wheel

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

This solution enables faster and more reliable automated wheel-changing by ensuring the mounting plate is in a consistent position and immediately stops rotating when the motor is turned off, streamlining the process.

Implementation Method 1

a leaf spring (21), which is fixed to the frame (25) at a first end, and a lever (22), which is connected to a second end of the spring (21). The braking device (2) further comprises an actuator (23) which is designed to move the lever (22), wherein, upon movement of the lever (22), the spring (21) is tensioned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

presses a portion of the lever against the mounting plate of the machine tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3969224B1Orbital grinding machine having a braking device
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 FERROBOTICS COMPLIANT ROBOT TECH
  • EP3969224B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3969224B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device with a machine tool and a braking device, the machine tool having an eccentrically supported, rotatable backing pad for receiving a tool. According to one embodiment, the braking device has a frame, which is attached to the machine tool; a spring, a first end of which is fixed on the frame; and a lever, which is connected to a second end of the spring. The braking device also has an actuator, which is designed to move the lever, wherein in the event of a movement of the lever, the spring is compressed and a part of the lever is pressed against the backing pad of the machine tool.