Vacuum Chuck for Eccentric Grinding of Thin-Walled Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoe grinding machines using magnetic chucks are limited in their application, particularly for thin-walled, non-magnetic, and fragile workpieces, as they require precise alignment and cannot securely hold materials like ceramics or plastics without compromising dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
Innovation Solution
A shoe grinding machine equipped with a vacuum clamping device that uses a suction unit to generate a negative pressure, allowing for secure holding of workpieces eccentrically, enabling the processing of thin-walled components without the limitations of magnetic chucks, including materials like ceramics and stainless steel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic chucks are used to hold workpieces, then workpieces can be securely held during grinding, but non-magnetic materials like ceramics and plastics cannot be processed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic field-based holding system with a vacuum-based holding system. The vacuum chuck creates a vacuum atmosphere between the chuck surface and the workpiece, generating holding force through pressure differential rather than magnetic attraction. This allows processing of non-magnetic materials while maintaining secure workpiece holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a vacuum environment (inert atmosphere) between the chuck and workpiece to generate holding force. By removing air and creating negative pressure, the system achieves reliable workpiece fixation without relying on magnetic properties, thereby expanding material compatibility to include ceramics, plastics, and other non-magnetic materials.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic chucks are used for shoe grinding, then workpieces can be held, but precise alignment and dimensional accuracy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic holding system with a vacuum holding system that provides more uniform and predictable workpiece fixation. The vacuum pressure distributes evenly across the contact surface, preventing workpiece deformation and ensuring better dimensional accuracy compared to magnetic holding, while maintaining ease of operation through simple vacuum activation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vacuum chucks are used to hold workpieces, then non-magnetic materials can be processed, but additional equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the vacuum chuck system to serve multiple functions: workpiece holding, workpiece positioning, and workpiece protection. The same vacuum mechanism that provides holding force also ensures precise alignment and prevents workpiece deformation, eliminating the need for separate positioning and protection devices.
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
The vacuum clamping system provides high precision and stability, allowing for accurate machining of thin-walled workpieces with improved surface quality and expanded material compatibility, without the need for additional effort or equipment beyond conventional machines.
Implementation Method 1
the contact surface has at least one recess which can be coupled to a suction unit to generate a suction force, and whereby the workpiece is held eccentrically on the chuck due to the suction force
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a machine (10) for grinding thin-walled workpieces (40), in particular by means of shoe grinding, with a clamping device (50) having a chuck (54) rotatable about a longitudinal axis (52), which provides a contact surface (56) for a thin-walled workpiece (40), in particular a ring-shaped workpiece (40), a support unit (60) with at least one support shoe (62, 64) to support the workpiece (40) in a position eccentric to the longitudinal axis (52), at least one grinding spindle (18) on which a grinding tool (80, 84) for machining the workpiece (40) can be received, wherein the contact surface (56) has at least one recess (110) which can be coupled to a suction unit (140) to generate a suction force, and wherein the workpiece (40) is held eccentrically on the chuck (54) due to the suction force. The disclosure further relates to a method for grinding thin-walled workpieces (40), in particular thin-walled rings.