Ultrasonic Tool Holder Sensing for Resonance Frequency Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

In ultrasonic machining, the resonant frequency of the tool's oscillating system changes due to heating, vibration damping by the workpiece, and coupling effects, leading to reduced vibration amplitude and machining efficiency, which existing methods struggle to accurately detect and adapt to.

Innovation Solution

A device with a tool holder containing an ultrasonic transducer and a sensor device made of piezoelectric material with electrode segments for detecting axial and bending vibrations, allowing for direct measurement of ultrasonic vibration parameters and continuous monitoring of changes in resonance frequency and amplitude.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the tool is operated at its initial resonant frequency, then the vibration amplitude is maximized initially, but the resonant frequency drifts during machining due to heating and damping, causing the vibration amplitude to decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration amplitudeVSAvoidresonant frequency stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor continuously monitors the actual resonant frequency of the tool during machining operations. The control unit receives this feedback signal and automatically adjusts the excitation frequency to track the drifting resonant frequency, thereby maintaining maximum vibration amplitude throughout the machining process despite temperature changes and damping effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static operating frequency to a dynamic frequency adjustment mechanism. The resonant frequency is no longer fixed but is continuously adapted based on real-time conditions (temperature, damping, coupling), allowing the system to maintain optimal performance under varying operational conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If traditional impedance-based frequency detection is used, then the detection system is simple, but it cannot accurately detect the actual resonant frequency due to complex impedance curves with multiple minima

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoidresonant frequency detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical impedance-based detection method with a direct mechanical vibration measurement approach. Instead of analyzing electrical impedance curves with multiple minima, a sensor directly measures the mechanical vibration parameters of the tool, providing unambiguous detection of the actual resonant frequency regardless of the complexity of the electrical impedance characteristics

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

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 higher machining accuracy by precisely detecting and adapting to changes in vibration parameters, ensuring maximum oscillation amplitude and efficiency during the machining process.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor device (40) in the tool holder for generating a sensor signal based on the ultrasonic vibration of the tool, wherein the sensor device comprises a one-piece element (41) made of piezoelectric material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

an ultrasonic transducer in the tool holder for generating the ultrasonic vibration of the tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3319748B1Device for generating an ultrasonic oscillation in a tool and measuring oscillation parameters
Publication Date: 2022.09.21 DMG MORI ULTRASONIC LASERTEC GMBH
  • EP3319748B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3319748B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3319748B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for generating an ultrasonic oscillation in a tool (90) used for ultrasonically machining a workpiece and measuring ultrasonic oscillation parameters on the tool (90), said device comprising a tool holder (10) for holding the tool, an ultrasonic transducer (20) in the tool holder for generating the ultrasonic oscillation in the tool, a sensor mechanism (40) in the tool holder for generating a sensor signal on the basis of the ultrasonic oscillation of the tool, and a sensor signal evaluation unit (110) for analyzing the sensor signal.