Tapping Apparatus Power Detection Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tapping machines lack the ability to differentiate between the speed of the tool approaching a bore and the speed during the tapping process, leading to inefficiencies and requiring additional detection and control devices for accurate operation.

Innovation Solution

A tapping apparatus with a brushless electric motor and electronic control system that uses power input detection to differentiate between the approach and tapping phases, allowing for variable speeds and eliminating the need for dedicated electro-mechanical devices for chuck displacement control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple switch device is used to detect chuck displacement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of the tapping operation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol devicesVSAvoidchuck position detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical switch-based detection system with an electronic control system that monitors motor operating parameters (current, voltage, speed) to detect chuck position and tapping completion. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical detection devices while achieving precise measurement through electronic sensing of motor load and operational state changes.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously monitors motor parameters during operation and uses this feedback to determine when the tool has reached the bore and when tapping is complete. The system adjusts motor operation based on real-time parameter analysis, providing precise control without additional mechanical detection devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If a constant speed is used during both approach and tapping operations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is decreased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed control systemVSAvoidtapping cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic speed control where the motor operates at different speeds during different phases of the tapping cycle. The system automatically adjusts speed based on operational phase: faster approach speed when not engaged, and controlled tapping speed when engaged with the bore. This dynamic adjustment is achieved through electronic control monitoring motor parameters rather than complex mechanical speed regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system changes operational parameters (speed, torque) based on the detected operational phase. When the tool approaches the bore, higher speeds are used; when engagement is detected through motor parameter changes, the system transitions to appropriate tapping parameters. This parameter adaptation optimizes both productivity and control without increasing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the tool approaches the bore at the same speed as during tapping, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidapproach time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary approach at higher speed before actual tapping engagement, then transitions to controlled tapping speed. The control system detects the transition point through motor parameter monitoring, allowing the tool to rapidly approach the bore and then slow down automatically upon engagement detection, minimizing approach time while maintaining ease of operation through automatic control.

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 solution enhances production efficiency by optimizing the tapping process through differentiated speeds and eliminates the need for additional control devices, reducing costs and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

an electric motor, in this case of the brushless type, adapted to drive a chuck

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

uses power input detection to differentiate between the approach and tapping phases, allowing for variable speeds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower detection:

Data Source

PatentEP1775049B1Automatic tapping apparatus
Publication Date: 2008.12.24 BORDIGNON ALBERTO
  • EP1775049B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1775049B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1775049B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Automatic apparatus for tapping bores and holes, comprising an electric motor adapted to rotate in both directions of rotation to rotatably drive a chuck carrying a tapping tool; there are provided means that are adapted to detect, during the displacement travel of the chuck, the moment or the position of the same chuck when the resistance to rotation rises above a pre-established value. These means comprise a sensor for measuring the instant power input of the electric motor, as well as comparator means for comparing the instant power input measured with a reference value corresponding to the motor power input when the resistance to the rotation of the chuck reaches up to said pre-established value. Upon reaching this value, the chuck keeps rotating and displacing until the number of revolutions performed by the same reaches a pre-determined number, after which the motor reverses its direction of rotation so that the tapping tool is automatically unscrewed and withdrawn from the tapped bore.