Torque Motor Tool Spindle Pivot for Optical Grinding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grinding and polishing machines for optical components are costly to manufacture and maintain due to complex mechanical designs, requiring multiple spindles and tool changers, which complicates high-precision machining and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

A grinding and polishing machine with a combined pivot/rotary axis using a torque motor for both tool engagement and angular positioning, allowing for compact and cost-effective operation with multiple tools, and incorporating a central coolant supply and non-contact measuring systems for improved precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tool spindles and tool changers are used for complex machining processes, then machining versatility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple tool spindles (first and second tool spindles) into a single integrated unit that can be collectively pivoted and rotated as one assembly. This merging approach provides machining versatility equivalent to multiple independent spindles while reducing the overall mechanical complexity and number of separate drive systems required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The combined tool spindle assembly serves multiple functions: it can be pivoted to select between different tools, rotated to position tools at defined angular orientations, and both spindles can operate simultaneously on different workpiece surfaces. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate tool changers and multiple independent spindle systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If separate drives are used for pivoting tool spindle and for angular positioning, then functional independence is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional independenceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pivoting function and angular positioning function into a single integrated drive system. The first and second tool spindles are connected such that one drive simultaneously controls both the pivoting motion (for tool selection) and the rotational motion (for angular positioning), eliminating the need for separate drive mechanisms while maintaining full functional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If tool spindles are arranged in a gantry structure with linear axes, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a traditional gantry structure with linear axes for positioning tool spindles, the patent inverts the approach by using a pivoting and rotating mechanism centered on a common axis. The tool spindles are positioned and oriented through angular movements rather than linear translations, achieving comparable positioning accuracy while significantly reducing mechanical complexity and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 high-precision, cost-effective processing of complex optical components with reduced constructional effort, allowing for multiple tools to be accurately engaged with the workpiece, and supports various machining processes with enhanced reproducibility and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a device consisting of a torque motor arranged on the pivot axis, by means of which the tool spindle can be pivoted about the pivot axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The tool spindle is provided with a central tube which is essentially continuous over its length and which is connected on both sides to inner recesses of the tools for coolant supply through the tool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP1867430B1Grinding and polishing machine for grinding and/or polishing workpieces in optical quality

Publication Date: 2010.05.12 SATISLOH AG

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AI summary

The machine has tool spindles (30, 31) formed at ends for coaxial supporting of workpieces and pivoted in a spindle housing (28). The housing is rotated around a rotating axis (29) provided perpendicular to the tool spindles to provide one of workpieces for engagement with a tool. The pivoting device has a drive motor (26) arranged at the rotating axis. The tool spindles are rotated around the axis using the drive motor for desired workpiece engagement and are rotated in a defined angle position relative to workpiece spindles (14, 15).