Machine Tool Spindle With Structure-Borne Sound Sensing for Grinding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing program-controlled machine tools are limited in performing efficient, precise, and reliable grinding operations, as they typically require separate grinding machines for milling or drilling operations, which restricts the universal processing capabilities and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A spindle device with an annular structure-borne sound sensor is integrated into the work spindle, allowing for the detection and monitoring of structure-borne noise during grinding operations, enabling efficient and precise grinding on machine tools primarily designed for milling and drilling, without compromising their existing functionalities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a universally applicable machine tool is used for milling and drilling operations, then the machine tool can handle a wide variety of tools and operations, but it cannot efficiently perform grinding operations without additional specialized equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniversal machining capabilityVSAvoidgrinding operation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The machine tool is equipped with a sensor system that can detect structure-borne sounds during different machining operations (milling, drilling, and grinding). This allows a single machine tool to reliably perform multiple operations including grinding by monitoring the acoustic signature of the process, eliminating the need for separate specialized grinding machines while maintaining operational reliability through adaptive process monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If separate grinding machines are used for grinding operations, then grinding can be performed with high precision and reliability, but the machine tool complexity and the need for multiple clamping operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrinding precisionVSAvoidmachine tool system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system for detecting structure-borne sounds during grinding operations is integrated directly into the spindle device of the universally applicable machine tool. This merging of sensing capabilities into the existing spindle structure allows the machine to perform grinding operations with high precision while avoiding the complexity of adding separate grinding machine systems or multiple clamping devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If sensors are added to enable grinding detection on a milling/drilling machine, then grinding operations can be monitored, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrinding operation monitoringVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is designed to detect structure-borne sounds generated during milling, drilling, and grinding operations using a single integrated setup. The sensor can identify the type of operation and monitor it accordingly, providing universal monitoring capability without requiring separate sensor systems for each operation, thus maintaining reliability while minimizing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient, precise, and reliable grinding operations on machine tools intended for milling and drilling, with the structure-borne sound sensor facilitating automatic process monitoring and control, reducing the need for additional sensors and improving overall machine tool performance.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensor, in particular a structure-borne sound sensor, receiving the structure-borne sound generated during the machining of the workpiece with the grinding tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStructure-borne sound: Acoustic Emission

Data Source

PatentEP3253530B1Spindle device for a program-controlled machine tool
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 DMG MORI PFRONTEN GMBH
  • EP3253530B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3253530B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3253530B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The invention relates to a machining unit 100 for a program-controlled machine tool. The invention relates in particular to a spindle device for a program-controlled machine tool, comprising a spindle housing 1, 4; a working spindle which is mounted in the spindle housing in a rotatable manner about a spindle axis and which comprises a clamping device 22a, 22b, 22c for clamping a tool interface 200 that is inserted in a tool receiving section of the spindle device 100 and is designed to hold a milling or boring tool; and a sensor device which is arranged on the spindle housing 1, 4 and which has at least one structure-borne sound sensor 500 that is designed to detect structure-borne sounds or vibrations occurring during grinding processes.