Tool Holder Clamping with Force Sensing for Load-Adaptive Drive Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carrier devices for metal-cutting processing machines lack precise control over the weight and weight distribution of processing units during machining, leading to inefficient motor control due to lack of immediate feedback on weight changes.

Innovation Solution

Integration of force sensors, such as piezoelectric or inductive sensors, to detect forces acting on clamping devices, allowing for continuous measurement of weight and weight distribution, and a control unit to adjust drive parameters based on these measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If force sensors are integrated into clamping devices to detect weight changes, then measurement precision of processing unit weight is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The force sensor acts as an intermediary element between the processing unit and the clamping device base body. It indirectly measures weight by detecting forces transmitted through the clamping device structure, enabling precise weight measurement without direct contact with the processing unit while maintaining system modularity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical weight measurement systems with force sensors that detect forces electrically. This substitution enables more precise and dynamic weight monitoring while reducing mechanical complexity through electronic sensing and control.

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

2Use of energy by moving object

If drive parameters are continuously adjusted based on real-time weight feedback, then energy efficiency is improved, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously receives weight information from the force sensor and automatically adjusts drive parameters in real-time. This closed-loop feedback system optimizes energy efficiency by adapting motor performance to actual load conditions without requiring complex manual intervention or oversimplified open-loop control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static drive parameters to dynamic adjustment based on real-time weight changes. The control unit modifies motor characteristics continuously according to measured forces, enabling adaptive energy optimization while maintaining manageable control complexity through automated algorithms.

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

Enables more precise and effective operation of carrier devices by providing real-time weight feedback, optimizing drive motor performance and energy efficiency by adapting to changing loads and imbalances.

Implementation Method 1

force sensors, such as piezoelectric or inductive sensors, to detect forces acting on clamping devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4046744B1Holder device and method for operating same
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 KLAUS DIETER KLEMENT VERW
  • EP4046744B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4046744B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4046744B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a support device for a machining tool comprising a base body (1) and at least one clamping device (4) arranged on the base body (1) for securing a machining unit (3), wherein the at least one clamping device (4) and/or the base body (1) is rotatable along a rotational axis (D) extending in a first direction, and wherein the at least one clamping device (4) has a clamping element arrangement (16) configured to engage at least partially with the machining unit (3) in a secured state by moving clamping elements in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis (D). According to the invention, a force sensor (8) is associated with the at least one clamping device (4), which is configured to detect a force acting on the at least one clamping device (4) from the machining unit (3).