Pneumatic Grinding Head for CNC Machine Tool Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grinding heads require electrical energy for adjustment and are limited to specific machines, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors due to the need for frequent workpiece clamping and unclamping, resulting in underutilization of machinery and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A grinding head with a mechanical transmission system using a freewheel gear and rack, driven by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure, allowing for belt adjustment without electricity, enabling operation on machines without electrical power sources and minimizing the need for workpiece clamping and unclamping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a stand-alone grinding machine is used, then grinding operations can be performed, but the machine remains underutilized and causes downtime on CNC milling machines or lathes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine utilizationVSAvoiddowntime for grinding

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The grinding head is integrated as a tool holder that can be directly mounted on CNC milling machines or lathes, merging the grinding function with the existing machining center. This eliminates the need for separate stand-alone grinding machines and allows grinding operations to be performed during the same setup as milling or turning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The grinding head is designed with a universal interface that allows it to be mounted on various CNC machines (milling machines, lathes) and performs multiple functions including grinding and belt adjustment. The mechanical transmission system with rack and pinion gear enables the same device to both grind workpieces and automatically advance the abrasive belt.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If electrical energy is used to drive the adjustment mechanism, then the abrasive belt can be readjusted automatically, but the grinding head cannot be used on machines without electrical power sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebelt adjustmentVSAvoidmachine compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is driven by a rack that is displaced by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure from the machine tool's existing power source. This replaces electrical motors with pneumatic/hydraulic actuation, allowing the grinding head to operate on machines that provide pneumatic or hydraulic power but no electrical power to the tool interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical transmission system with rack and pinion gear is designed to be self-actuating through the machine tool's existing pneumatic or hydraulic pressure. The system automatically advances the abrasive belt without requiring separate electrical control systems, making the grinding head self-sufficient and compatible with various machine types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If the abrasive belt is frequently readjusted using an electric motor, then the grinding point can be maintained, but the complexity of the adjustment mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrinding track accuracyVSAvoidadjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex electrical adjustment mechanism with motors, controllers, and power connections is replaced with a simpler mechanical transmission system using a rack and pinion gear. The rack is directly actuated by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure from the machine tool, eliminating the need for electrical components while maintaining the ability to precisely advance the abrasive belt.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for continuous operation of grinding tasks on CNC machines without electrical energy, reducing errors, saving effort and costs, and maintaining machine tool utilization, thus accelerating production and enhancing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

pneumatically or hydraulically powered without electricity from a pneumatic or hydraulic pressure source, which is already available on the machine tool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

pneumatically or hydraulically powered without electricity from a pneumatic or hydraulic pressure source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

a mechanical transmission with a rack and freewheel gear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFreewheel mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentEP4178761B1Grinding head for the machining of workpieces

Publication Date: 2024.05.22 VERWO

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AI summary

The grinding head serves for the machining of workpieces, in order to grind grinding paths in the same. It consists of a supporting part (1) and a top part (2) with guiding means (3) for guiding a grinding belt (4) upstream and downstream of its grinding point (5). Arranged outside the guiding prism (3) are means (6, 7) for dispensing the grinding belt (4) and accepting it on the other side of the guiding means (3). As a special feature, the grinding belt (4) can be adjusted without electrical power, by means of pneumatic or hydraulic pressure.