Integrated Coolant Feed in Skiving Wheels for Safer Tool Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coolant supply systems for skiving machines, particularly when machining internal gears, are prone to damage and require complex adjustments, leading to increased risk of collisions and machine downtimes due to their external configuration and compact installation space.

Innovation Solution

A coolant supply system where the coolant is fed from the side of the skiving wheel, with a feed section arranged closer to the axis of rotation, eliminating the need for external cooling lines and allowing for easier tool changes and automated operations, utilizing centrifugal force to direct coolant radially to the machining area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If coolant is supplied from outside via external cooling lines to the machining area, then the coolant can reach the machining zone, but the risk of line damage increases and tool changes become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant line reliabilityVSAvoidtool change ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant supply system is merged with the skiving wheel assembly by integrating the feed section directly into the wheel structure. The coolant channels are formed within the wheel body itself, combining the cooling function with the cutting tool structure, thereby eliminating separate external coolant lines that are prone to damage and interfere with tool changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coolant feed section is nested within the skiving wheel structure. The channels are positioned closer to the axis of rotation and routed through the wheel body, allowing the coolant supply system to be contained within the existing tool assembly boundaries rather than requiring external routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If external cooling lines are used to supply coolant to the machining area, then coolant delivery is possible, but the complexity of the system increases and adjustment requirements arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant supply implementationVSAvoidcoolant line configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant supply function is merged into the skiving wheel structure itself. The feed section is formed as an integral part of the wheel, with channels routed through the wheel body from the hub region toward the periphery, eliminating the need for separate external piping systems and their associated complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Quantity of substance

If coolant lines are routed externally to the skiving wheel, then coolant can be supplied, but the installation space requirements increase in compact machines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant deliveryVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The coolant feed section is nested within the skiving wheel assembly, with channels positioned closer to the axis of rotation. This internal routing allows the coolant supply system to occupy space already required by the wheel structure itself, rather than adding external volume, making the solution particularly suitable for compact skiving machines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 configuration reduces the risk of coolant line damage, simplifies tool changes, and ensures reliable heat dissipation during the skiving process, maintaining efficient machining without the need for external coolant lines, thus enhancing system reliability and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing centrifugal force to direct coolant radially to the machining area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

The heat generated is dissipated via a coolant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Cooling

Data Source

PatentEP3043946B1Coolant supply and skiving machine equipped therewith, and skiving method carried out therewith
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 GLEASON PFAUTER MASCHFAB
  • EP3043946B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3043946B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a coolant supply for supplying a coolant serving to carry off the heat generated by a skiving wheel rotating about its axis of rotation during skiving of a toothing. A supply section is provided which, in projection on the plane normal of the axis of rotation, is closer to the axis than the skiving wheel toothing and has a length component in the axial direction.