Spindle Drive Bearing Layout for Compact High-Torque Braking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spindle drives are unsuitable for precise and reproducible forming applications due to inadequate braking torque, slow braking response, and excessive size, making them inefficient and space-consuming.

Innovation Solution

The spindle drive design incorporates bearings at the spindle exit end within the rotating part, utilizing space efficiently, and features a braking device with a deformable brake disc and friction surfaces for rapid and precise control of forming tool movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If bearings are arranged in the area of the spindle exit end within the rotating part, then space requirements are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidbearing arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing is nested within the rotating part itself, specifically in the area of the spindle exit end. This internal arrangement eliminates the need for separate bearing housings and reduces the overall installation space while maintaining functional integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing arrangement moves from a conventional external positioning to an internal integration within the rotating part's structure. This spatial reorganization optimizes the use of available volume and reduces the footprint of the spindle drive system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Force

If a braking device with high braking torque is implemented, then braking effectiveness is improved, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking torqueVSAvoidbraking device size
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The braking device utilizes the normal force between the brake shoe and brake disc, optimized through parameter selection (friction coefficient, normal force magnitude) to achieve high braking torque without increasing the physical size of the braking components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The braking function is integrated into the existing spindle drive mechanism rather than adding a separate, bulky braking system. The brake shoe and brake disc arrangement is compactly integrated, replacing what would traditionally be a larger external braking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the braking process is accelerated for immediate tool engagement, then productivity is improved, but control precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforming speedVSAvoidbraking control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control device monitors and regulates the braking process, adjusting the normal force applied by the brake shoe to achieve precise control during rapid deceleration. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate positioning and force application even during high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The braking system is designed for dynamic operation, with the brake shoe capable of rapid engagement and disengagement. The control device dynamically adjusts braking parameters to match the forming process requirements, enabling both speed and precision.

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

This design ensures rapid, precise, and efficient forming processes with reduced space requirements, enabling immediate tool engagement and accurate force application, enhancing safety and productivity.

Implementation Method 1

a brake shoe (50), arranged in the region of the end of the rotating part (3) opposite the spindle exit end (35), by means of which the brake shoe (50) can be brought into frictional contact with the brake disc (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a motor (2), having a stator (2a) and a rotor (2b), by means of which the rotating part (3) can be rotated about an axis of rotation (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 3

a ball nut (40), arranged on a radially inner side of a hollow shaft, with a second screw groove in a spiral shape, wherein a plurality of balls are arranged between the first screw groove and the second screw groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4298362B1Electromechanical spindle drive
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 TRUMPF MASCHEN AUSTRIA
  • EP4298362B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4298362B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4298362B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electromechanical spindle drive (1) comprising a housing (13); a motor (2); a rotational part (3) in the form of a spindle nut, said rotational part (3) being rotated by the motor (2) about a rotational axis (4); a spindle (23) which interacts with the rotational part (3), the threaded section of which is arranged within the rotational part (3) and which exits the rotational part (3) at a spindle outlet end (35); and bearings (37, 38, 39), by means of which the rotational part (3) is rotatably mounted relative to the housing (13). The invention is characterized in that at least one of the bearings (37), preferably at least two of the bearings, are arranged in the region of the spindle outlet end (35) of the rotational part (3) and/or are designed in the form of a radial bearing.