Ultrasonic CNC Spindle Assembly With Coaxial Cutting Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
CNC machining centers are limited to rotating tools like drills and milling cutters, lacking the capability to efficiently process materials with ultrasonic cutting, which is essential for materials like wood, plastic, rubber, and composites, due to complex tool management and offset axis issues.
Innovation Solution
A truncated cone-shaped housing with a pot-like base and pin elements for precise docking on the spindle, allowing an ultrasonic cutting element to be axis-centered, enabling rotation and adjustable cutting planes without offset, and integrated with an ultrasonic emitter for efficient cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an ultrasonic cutting element is attached to the spindle with an offset axis configuration, then the cutting element can be rotated to follow a cutting line, but the control system becomes more complex and the machining precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of offsetting the ultrasonic cutting element axis from the spindle axis, the patent inverts the approach by aligning both axes coaxially. The ultrasonic cutting element is mounted directly on the spindle axis, eliminating the need for complex transmission gears and offset positioning mechanisms while maintaining the ability to perform cutting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex transmission gear system and offset positioning mechanisms from the design. By mounting the ultrasonic cutting element directly on the spindle axis, the unnecessary intermediate transmission components are removed, simplifying the overall system while retaining cutting functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional rotating tools are used in the CNC machining center, then the tool management is simple, but the material processing capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the CNC machining center universal by enabling it to handle both traditional rotating tools and ultrasonic cutting elements through the same spindle interface. The system can now process diverse materials including wood, plastic, rubber, carbon fiber, glass fiber, insulation materials, and foam, expanding its functionality beyond conventional limitations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ultrasonic cutting element axis is offset from the spindle axis, then the cutting element can be positioned for specific cutting lines, but the machining precision and centering accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the offset configuration by placing the ultrasonic cutting element axis coaxial with the spindle axis. This alignment ensures that the cutting element rotates precisely around the spindle center, eliminating centering errors and improving machining precision while maintaining the ability to follow cutting lines through proper toolpath control.
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 the use of ultrasonic cutting in CNC machining centers, expanding material processing capabilities with residue-free cuts and simplified tool management, allowing for in-line production of components like saws, and efficient interaction with rotating spindles.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic emitter (52) integrated into the top surface (4) of the truncated cone-shaped housing (3)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to an assembly (1) for a CNC machining center with a spindle which enables the machining of workpieces with a multi-axis system, wherein the assembly (1) is operatively connected to a tool changer for the spindle, wherein the assembly (1) comprises an ultrasonic cutting element (2) for machining the workpiece, which can be attached to the spindle of the machining center.In order to provide an alternative unit for a CNC machining center whose control is simpler compared to the prior art, it is proposed according to the invention that the ultrasonic cutting element (2) has a housing (3) that is at least essentially truncated cone-shaped, wherein a base surface (5) of the truncated cone-shaped housing (3) is formed by a cup-shaped housing (6), wherein pin elements (10) as drive pins for fixing the unit (1) to a tool holder of the spindle are arranged on a circular path on a bottom (9) of the cup-shaped housing (6).