Machine Tool Spindle Diagnostics for Vibration and Crash Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spindle monitoring systems for machine tools lack advanced data processing capabilities, which limits their effectiveness in predicting spindle failures and optimizing machining processes.

Innovation Solution

The spindle incorporates a vibration sensing unit, crash sensing unit, tool-position monitoring unit, motor and bearing temperature sensors, and a spindle diagnosis module with digital communication interfaces, enabling enhanced data processing and analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple sensing units and sensors are integrated into the spindle, then the monitoring and diagnostic capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring and diagnostic capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing units (vibration sensing unit with three vibration sensors, crash sensing unit with three crash sensors, tool-position monitoring unit, motor temperature sensor, and bearing temperature sensor) into a single integrated spindle assembly. The spindle diagnosis module centrally processes all sensor signals, merging multiple monitoring functions into one unified system that enhances reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spindle diagnosis module serves multiple functions: it receives and processes signals from all sensing units, performs comprehensive diagnostics, and communicates results externally. This multi-functional approach allows a single module to handle vibration analysis, crash detection, position monitoring, and temperature surveillance, reducing the need for separate processing systems.

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

2Measurement precision

If digital signal processing and filtering are implemented in the sensor circuits, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor circuits perform preliminary signal processing including amplification, analog-to-digital conversion, and filtering before signals reach the spindle diagnosis module. The vibration sensor circuit and crash sensor circuit each include built-in filters that pre-process signals, reducing noise and interference early in the signal chain. This preliminary action improves measurement precision while distributing complexity across multiple components rather than concentrating it all in the diagnosis module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows for real-time monitoring and analysis of spindle conditions, improving predictive maintenance, reducing downtime, and enhancing the overall productivity and quality of machining processes.

Implementation Method 1

The vibration sensing unit is arranged in the spindle housing. It includes three vibration sensors for sensing acceleration of the spindle in three linear axes.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration sensing: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

The crash sensing unit is arranged in the spindle housing. It includes three crash sensors for sensing acceleration of the spindle in three linear axes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensing: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP4537975A1A spindle for a machine tool
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 UNITED MACHINING MILL AG
  • EP4537975A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4537975A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4537975A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A spindle (1) for a machine tool, comprising: a, a motor b. a spindle shaft operationally connected to the motor, wherein during operation of the spindle the motor drives the spindle shaft for rotation; c. a clamping interface for clamping a machining tool, wherein the clamping interface is arranged at one end of the spindle shaft; d. a vibration sensing unit (10) for detecting the vibration of the spindle arranged in the spindle housing including three vibration sensors for sensing the acceleration of the spindle in three linear axes and a vibration sensor circuit configured to process the sensed signal resulting in a vibration signal by amplification, analog-to-digital conversion and filtering; e. a crash sensing unit (10) for detecting the crash event occurred on the spindle arranged in the spindle housing including three crash sensors for sensing the acceleration of the spindle in three linear axes and a crash sensor circuit configured to process the sensed signal resulting in a crash signal by amplification, analog-to-digital conversion and filtering; f. a tool-position monitoring unit (20) g. a motor temperature sensor h. a bearing temperature sensor; and i. a spindle diagnosis module (60) arranged in the spindle housing.