Radial Tool Adjustment in Peeling Machines Using Kinematic Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current peeling machines for bars and tubes face issues with radial tool adjustment, leading to inaccuracies in size and shape due to play in axial adjustment mechanisms, resulting in unwanted helical impressions and instability, which affects the precision and quality of the worked product.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a kinematic-differential unit and control means, connected to second motor means, allows for simultaneous and precise radial displacement of tools relative to the product, using a brushless electric motor and differential mechanism to adjust the tools' position micrometrically, even while the rotary head is rotating, and includes a system to automatically adjust based on the product's actual diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conical bushing or worm screw is used for radial tool adjustment, then tool position can be adjusted, but play in axial adjustment mechanisms causes inaccuracies in size and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms (conical bushing, worm screw) with a hydraulic system. A hydraulic cylinder with piston applies radial force directly to the tool, eliminating the play and instability inherent in mechanical threaded connections. The hydraulic fluid transmits force smoothly without backlash, ensuring precise and stable tool positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a hydraulic cylinder-piston system to adjust tool position radially. The hydraulic fluid under pressure moves the piston, which in turn moves the tool holder with the cutting tool. This hydraulic mechanism provides play-free adjustment and maintains stable contact force, directly addressing the reliability issue of mechanical adjustment systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If conical bushing axial movement is used to adjust tools radially, then tool position changes, but axial thrust on mandrel bearings causes instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the direction of the adjustment mechanism from axial to radial. Instead of moving the tool axially (as in conical bushing systems), the hydraulic cylinder moves the tool holder directly in the radial direction. This dimensional change eliminates the need for axial movement that generates thrust on mandrel bearings, thereby maintaining bearing stability while achieving precise tool positioning.
3Ease of operation
If traditional adjustment mechanisms are used, then tool radial position can be changed, but unwanted helical impressions are generated on the worked piece
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic adjustment system replaces mechanical screw mechanisms that create periodic variations in tool position (helical impressions). The continuous hydraulic pressure provides smooth, uniform radial movement without the periodic disturbances caused by threaded connections, eliminating helical markings on the worked surface.
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustment device (100) is used for the radial adjustment of the tools (15) in a peeling machine (10) for bars, tubes or similar oblong products to be worked (18), comprising feed means (17) to make each product to be worked (18) advance axially along a longitudinal axis (X) thereof, and a rotary head (12), which is provided with a central through cavity (13), in which the product to be worked (18) is able to run, and is able to rotate with respect to a fixed support (11), coaxially with said longitudinal axis (X), commanded by first motor means (Ml), and in which the tools (15) are mounted on the rotary head (12) and associated with corresponding adjustment units (16). The adjustment device (100) comprises second motor means (M2), able to drive the adjustment units (16), and a kinematic-differential unit (101) interposed between the second motor means (M2) and the adjustment units (16) and control means (50) associated at least with the second motor means (M2), so as to cause the selective and simultaneous activation of the adjustment units (16) and to effect the micrometric adjustment of the radial position of the tools (15) with respect to the longitudinal axis (X), also while the rotary head (12) is rotating.