Workpiece Holder Unit for Grinding Machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grinding technologies are limited in their ability to efficiently process multiple workpieces of varying heights and internal surfaces simultaneously, as they typically require workpieces to be of the same height and can only handle external flat surfaces, leading to inefficiencies and precision issues.

Innovation Solution

A workpiece carrier unit with rotatably mounted workpiece carriers on roller bearings, allowing for independent rotation and adjustment of each carrier, enabling simultaneous processing of multiple workpieces of different heights and internal surfaces, with the grinding tool rotating to reach all workpieces effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple workpiece holders are used to process multiple workpieces simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but only workpieces of the same height can be ground and only external flat surfaces can be processed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous processing of multiple workpiecesVSAvoidability to process workpieces of different heights and various surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The workpiece carriers are made dynamically adjustable through tiltable and foldable mechanisms. Each workpiece carrier can be independently tilted and folded to adapt to workpieces of different heights and geometries, enabling the system to process diverse workpiece types while maintaining simultaneous multi-workpiece capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes geometric parameters of the workpiece carriers by tilting and folding them. This parameter adjustment allows the carriers to accommodate workpieces of varying heights and orientations, transforming a fixed-configuration system into a variable-configuration system that maintains versatility across different workpiece types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If only the workpiece holder with the currently machined workpiece rotates, then device complexity is reduced, but processing efficiency and precision are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation mechanism complexityVSAvoidgrinding process efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static single-rotation mode to a dynamic multi-rotation mode. Multiple workpiece carriers can rotate independently in addition to the workpiece carrier unit rotation, creating coordinated motion patterns that improve grinding efficiency and precision without excessive complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation function is segmented and distributed across multiple independent workpiece carriers. Each carrier can rotate independently about its own axis, allowing parallel processing operations and improving overall system productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If workpiece carriers are mounted on roller bearings with independent rotation capability, then manufacturing precision and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional accuracy of ground surfacesVSAvoidworkpiece carrier mounting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Roller bearings are introduced to enable dynamic, low-friction rotation of workpiece carriers. This dynamic mounting allows precise positioning and rotation control, improving dimensional accuracy while the modular bearing-based design keeps the complexity increase manageable through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution allows for precise and efficient grinding of multiple workpieces, including internal surfaces, with the ability to process workpieces of varying heights and both external and internal surfaces simultaneously, improving process control and dimensional accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

the workpiece carriers are mounted on roller bearings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3409415B1Workpiece holder unit for a grinding machine
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 DISKUS WERKE SCHLEIFTECHN
  • EP3409415B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3409415B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP3409415B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A workpiece carrier unit (4) with several workpiece carriers (5, 5', 5") is shown and described, wherein the at least two workpiece carriers (5, 5', 5") are rotatably mounted about a workpiece carrier axis (X5), and wherein the workpiece carrier unit (4) is rotatably mounted about a workpiece carrier unit axis (X4). To enable low-friction and precise mounting of the workpiece carriers (5, 5', 5"), it is proposed that the workpiece carriers (5, 5', 5") be mounted on rolling bearings.