Polishing Tool Holder with Load-Actuated Axial Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The position of wire-shaped grinding elements in a polishing brush moves away from the workpiece as they become worn, reducing processing accuracy and requiring complex machine tool control to maintain contact, leading to inconsistent cutting or polishing results.

Innovation Solution

A polishing tool holder with a load detector and control unit that adjusts the position of the polishing tool in the axis direction based on detected load changes, allowing the tool to maintain contact with the workpiece and adjust the depth of cut to ensure processing accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the machine tool keeps the distance between the spindle and workpiece constant, then the machine tool structure is simple, but the processing accuracy deteriorates when grinding elements are worn

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine tool control structureVSAvoidprocessing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The polishing tool holder incorporates a movement mechanism that dynamically adjusts the position of the polishing tool in the axis direction based on detected load changes. This dynamic adjustment compensates for grinding element wear, maintaining processing accuracy without requiring complex machine tool control programs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A load detector detects the load on the polishing tool, and this detection result is fed back to a control unit that actuates the movement mechanism. This feedback loop automatically adjusts the tool position to maintain constant depth of cut, eliminating the need for complex external machine tool control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If the machine tool moves the polishing device closer to the workpiece as grinding elements are worn, then processing accuracy is maintained, but the control program becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidcontrol program
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The polishing tool holder is equipped with its own movement mechanism and control system that autonomously adjusts the tool position based on load detection. This self-service capability eliminates the need for the machine tool to perform complex control operations, simplifying the overall control program while maintaining processing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If the depth of cut is increased to compensate for worn grinding elements, then processing accuracy is maintained, but the risk of excessive wear and breakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidgrinding element durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movement mechanism dynamically adjusts the tool position in the axis direction based on real-time load detection, maintaining a constant depth of cut rather than increasing it. This prevents excessive wear and breakage of grinding elements while maintaining processing accuracy throughout their service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The system maintains processing accuracy by dynamically adjusting the tool position, preventing excessive wear and breakage, and simplifies machine tool control by eliminating the need for complex adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

a load detector configured to detect a load exerted on the polishing tool from a workpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce detection: Force

Data Source

PatentEP3738714B1Polishing tool holder and polishing device
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 XEBEC TECH CO LTD
  • EP3738714B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3738714B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3738714B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A polishing device (1) includes a polishing brush (3) and a polishing brush holder (4) that holds the polishing brush (3). The polishing brush holder (4) includes a shank (6), a support mechanism (21) that has a sleeve (7) and supports the polishing brush (3) so as to be movable in an axial direction L of the shank (6), and a moving mechanism (22) that moves the polishing brush (3) in the axial direction L. The polishing brush holder (4) includes a pressure sensor (53) that detects a load (sensor detection pressure (P)) applied from a workpiece (W) to the polishing brush (3) when the workpiece (W) is polished by the polishing brush (3) supported by the support mechanism (21), and a control unit (51) that drives the moving mechanism (22) on the basis of the output (sensor detection pressure (P)) from the pressure sensor (53) to move the polishing brush (3) in the axial direction L.