Resilient Spindle Liner for Vibration Control in Turning Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Turning machines, especially CNC lathes, face challenges in supporting work-pieces with diameters significantly smaller than the spindle, leading to vibration and whipping due to inadequate support, which results in noise, damage, and limitations in machining speed and tolerance.

Innovation Solution

A spindle liner system incorporating helical springs with arcuate grooves and disc assemblies that securely grip the work-piece, allowing for axial movement and controlled support, reducing clearance and vibration by using resilient materials like helical springs or braided steel wire.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a spindle liner with close fit (0.3-0.6mm clearance) is used to support small diameter work-pieces, then the work-piece is better supported and material travel is ensured, but vibration and whipping still occur at high speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework-piece support and material travelVSAvoidvibration and whipping
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical state of the liner material from rigid to resilient by introducing spring-loaded segments. This allows the liner to dynamically adapt to centrifugal forces at different rotational speeds, maintaining optimal contact with the work-piece without excessive clearance while preventing vibration and whipping through elastic deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The liner transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic resilient system where spring segments can compress and expand. This dynamic behavior allows the liner to automatically adjust its support characteristics based on operational conditions, providing firm support when needed while accommodating high-speed rotation without vibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If machining speed is limited to reduce vibration and whipping, then work-piece support is improved, but manufacturing productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration and whipping reductionVSAvoidmachining speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the liner material properties from rigid to resilient, the system can operate at higher rotational speeds without experiencing vibration and whipping. The spring-loaded segments absorb centrifugal forces elastically, allowing the machine to maintain high productivity while keeping harmful vibrations under control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful centrifugal forces that cause vibration into a beneficial compressive force on the spring segments. This elastic compression allows the liner to maintain firm contact with the work-piece at high speeds, transforming what would be a harmful effect into a mechanism for improved support and increased machining speed capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Manufacturing precision

If ground/bright work-piece material with tighter tolerance is used to reduce clearance below 0.3mm, then material travel through the liner is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclearance control and material travelVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the liner material parameter from rigid to resilient, which allows the use of standard tolerance work-piece material instead of expensive ground/bright material. The spring-loaded segments compensate for clearance variations through elastic deformation, ensuring material travel is maintained without requiring tight tolerances on the work-piece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient liner segments can be designed as replaceable components that wear less critically than rigid liners. By using standard tolerance material for work-pieces and accepting slight wear on the resilient liner segments, the system reduces overall manufacturing cost while maintaining functional performance throughout the liner's service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution effectively supports smaller work-pieces, reducing vibration and noise, enabling higher machining speeds and improved surface finishes while extending spindle life and productivity.

Implementation Method 1

said at least one spring only encircle(s) said central aperture (A) once; in use part of the cylindrical side wall of said at least one spring abuts against said work-piece and thereby firmly supports said work-piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2888065B1Improved spindle liner component for turning machines
Publication Date: 2016.09.14 DRUST CRAIG
  • EP2888065B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2888065B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2888065B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A work-piece support member forming part of a spindle liner for use within the hollow spindle of a turning machine comprising: a disc dimensioned to fit closely within the hollow spindle, having a central aperture (A) sized to accept a work-piece; holding at least one helical spring (20) positioned adjacent to the aperture (A); such that in use the axis of said spring is held perpendicular to the axis of said work-piece such that part of the side walls of said spring or springs (20) abut against said work-piece and thereby firmly support said work-piece as it rotates with the hollow spindle about the axis of said hollow spindle.