Workpiece Carrier Kinematics for Precise Grinding of Complex Cutting Edges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining devices for workpieces with cutting edges, such as grinding and eroding machines, require complex kinematic controls and large adjustment paths, leading to delayed processing and reduced machining accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A device with a simplified structure where the workpiece carrier is integrated with the slide arrangement, allowing all linear adjustments to be made directly, eliminating the need for coordinated control of separate units, and enabling precise machining with small adjustment movements by pivoting the workpiece around two axes of rotation to align the grinding or eroding tool closely with the processing point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the workpiece carrier and machining device are mounted on separate slide assemblies, then the device can machine workpieces with complex contours, but the machine control becomes complex and machining time increases due to coordinated movements requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to machine complex contoursVSAvoidmachine control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the workpiece carrier and machining device into a single integrated unit mounted on one slide assembly. This merging eliminates the need for coordinated control between two separate slide assemblies, simplifying the machine control system while maintaining the ability to machine complex contours through the integrated unit's combined movements and rotational capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the workpiece carrier is mounted on a separate slide assembly, then the workpiece can be positioned independently, but the adjustment paths become large and machining accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece positioning capabilityVSAvoidmachining accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the workpiece carrier with the machining device on a single slide assembly, the patent reduces the total adjustment path required. The combined unit moves as one entity, eliminating redundant movements between separate assemblies, thereby reducing adjustment paths and improving machining accuracy while maintaining workpiece positioning capability through the unified structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If two separate carriage assemblies are used for workpiece holding and machining, then the device can perform multiple functions, but the kinematic control becomes complex and delays machining

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple machining functionsVSAvoidmachining speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the workpiece carrier and machining device into a single unit on one slide assembly, eliminating the need for complex coordinated control between two separate assemblies. This integration maintains multiple machining functions through the combined unit's capabilities while significantly reducing control complexity and machining delays, thereby improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach simplifies machine control, improves processing quality, and allows for efficient machining of complex workpieces with large contour changes, achieving faster and more precise machining with reduced adjustment movements.

Implementation Method 1

a machining device with a grinding or eroding tool (34, 134) for machining (10, 110) the workpiece (20, 120)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGrinding: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

the receiving device (16, 116) with the workpiece (20, 120) received therein is rotatable about a first axis of rotation (R1) of the receiving device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Implementation Method 3

a carriage arrangement (22, 122) which comprises a first linear carriage (24, 124) which is displaceable along a first linear axis (X-axis, Y-axis) assigned to the first linear carriage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear displacement:

Data Source

PatentEP3829813B1Apparatus and method for machining a workpiece, in particular a workpiece provided with cutting edges, by means of a grinding or erosion tool
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 VOLLMER WERKE MASCHFAB GMBH
  • EP3829813B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3829813B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3829813B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) and a method for machining a workpiece (W), in particular a workpiece (W) provided with cutting edges, by means of a grinding or erosion tool (34), wherein the apparatus (10) comprises: - a base (12), - a workpiece carrier (14) having a receiving device (16) for receiving a workpiece (W), and - a machining device (18) having the grinding or erosion tool (34) that is used for machining and has a tool axis (A; B), wherein the receiving device (16) is rotatable, with the workpiece (W) received therein, about a first axis of rotation (R1) of the receiving device (16) and is arranged on a carriage arrangement (22) that comprises a first linear carriage (24), which is displaceable along a first linear axis (X) that is assigned to the first linear carriage and extends parallel to the axis of rotation (R1), and comprises a second linear carriage (26), which is displaceable along a second linear axis (Y) that is assigned to the second linear carriage (26) and extends transversely to the axis of rotation (R1) and transversely to the first linear axis (X). Furthermore, according to the invention, the carriage arrangement (22) is displaceable relative to the base (12) along a third linear axis (Z) that extends transversely to the first and second linear axes (X; Y), and the workpiece carrier (14), with the carriage arrangement (22) assigned thereto, and the machining device (18) are rotatable relative to one another about a second axis of rotation (R2) that extends transversely to the first axis of rotation (R1) and transversely to the tool axis (A; B), wherein the machining point of the grinding or erosion tool (34) is located on or close to a surface to be machined of the workpiece (W) and lies on or in the immediate vicinity of the second axis of rotation (R2).