Rotating Bar Centering Elements for High-Speed Spindle Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current centring devices for machine tools are ineffective in maintaining the axial alignment of bars at high rotation speeds, leading to noise, surface damage, and wear due to inadequate static and dynamic centring actions.
Innovation Solution
A structurally simple and versatile centring device featuring oblong centring elements connected rotatably to a support base body, with an elastic element urging the elements to converge and adapt to different bar diameters, providing effective damping and guiding action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static centring devices are used to guide bars, then the structure is simple, but the device is ineffective at high rotation speeds causing noise and surface damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the centring elements rotatable about their longitudinal axes, allowing them to rotate with the bar at high speeds. This dynamic capability enables the elements to maintain effective contact and centring action even at rotation speeds reaching ten thousand rpm or more, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and centring effectiveness at high speeds
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rotating annular guiding element with actuators is used, then dynamic centring action is achieved reducing noise and wear, but the construction becomes complex and requires external power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the centring elements to rotate automatically with the bar without requiring external actuators or power supplies. The elements self-adjust to maintain contact with the bar surface through their rotatable design, achieving dynamic centring action that reduces noise and surface damage while avoiding the complexity of powered actuation systems
3Device complexity
If fixed elastic plates are used, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot adequately reduce noise and does not permit adjustment of pressure force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed elastic plates into rotatable centring elements that can dynamically adapt to the bar's rotation. This rotational capability enables the elements to maintain consistent contact and pressure force on the bar surface during high-speed rotation, effectively reducing noise and surface damage while preserving structural simplicity
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 centring device significantly reduces noise and surface damage while maintaining precise alignment of bars, adapting to various diameters without adjustments, and integrating seamlessly with existing equipment, thus enhancing machining precision and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of oblong centring elements (5), connected rotatably to said support base body (3)... an elastic element (7) arranged for urging elastically the finger elements (5) to a reciprocal collecting position
Implementation Method 2
able to reduce noticeably, owing to the damping action, the noise and the risk of surface damage to the advancing bars
Data Source
AI summary
Centring device for centring bars, tubes or similar to supply to a spindle of a machine tool, includes:a support base body, along which a through opening is obtained for the passage of the bar,oblong centring elements, connected rotatably to the support base body and arranged circumferentially with respect thereto to maintain the bar axially aligned on the spindle of the machine tool,an elastic element arranged for urging elastically the oblong centring elements to a radial collecting and contraction position in which they are in mutual proximity.