Tool Holder Power Feeding Layout for Chip-Free Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face challenges in efficiently powering and maintaining tool holders during machining processes, particularly in preventing chip adherence and ensuring stable power supply without mechanical obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design incorporating a power feeding actuator with a movable power feeder that supplies power to a tool holder via a non-contact method, featuring a power receiver on the tool holder's outer circumference and sensors connected to the power receiver for state detection, allowing for efficient power delivery and chip prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power feeder is positioned near the tool holder to supply power, then power supply stability is improved, but mechanical obstructions and chip adherence increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based power supply system with a non-contact power supply system using electromagnetic induction. The power feeder and tool holder are equipped with coupling units that transmit power wirelessly through magnetic fields, eliminating mechanical contact and preventing chip adherence while maintaining stable power supply.
2Ease of operation
If the power feeder is retracted to avoid obstructions, then ease of operation is improved, but power supply reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the coupling units on the outer circumferential surface of the tool holder in advance, so that when the tool holder is mounted on the rotator, the coupling units are automatically aligned with the power feeder's coupling unit. This preliminary positioning ensures continuous power supply during tool exchange operations without requiring the power feeder to be in a specific retracted or extended position.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated into the tool holder for state detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensors (temperature sensor, vibration sensor, acceleration sensor) and the coupling unit into a single integrated structure on the tool holder. This merging approach consolidates multiple functions into one component system, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining precise detection capabilities for temperature, vibration, and acceleration states.
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 stable power supply to the tool holder without mechanical obstructions, reduces chip adherence, and facilitates easy tool exchange and maintenance, enhancing machining efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The power feeder is configured to supply the electric power to the power receiver at the power feeding position. The power feeder is not configured to supply the electric power to the power receiver at the retracted position.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool includes a rotation device, a tool holder, and a power feeding actuator. The tool holder is configured to be rotated with a tool about a first axis. A power receiver is provided in an outer circumferential edge region of the tool holder. At least one sensor is electrically connected to the power receiver. The power feeding actuator is configured to supply electric power to the tool holder via the power receiver. The power feeding actuator includes a power feeder configured to supply the electric power to the power receiver, and a first mover configured to move the power feeder between a power feeding position and a retracted position. The power feeder is configured to supply the electric power to the power receiver at the power feeding position. The power feeder is not configured to supply the electric power to the power receiver at the retracted position.