Accelerometer Timing for Machine Tool Performance Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Timing machine tool movements is crucial for determining performance limits, but existing methods often require specialized software and lack customization, leading to resource-intensive programming and inadequate handling of sophisticated movements.
Innovation Solution
Using an accelerometer-equipped computing device, such as a smartphone, to record movement data along predefined paths, allowing for convenient and precise timing of machine tool movements by calculating timing information from first, second, and third movement data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized software and programming are used to time machine tool movements, then timing precision can be achieved, but resource consumption increases and operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex software-based timing systems with a hardware accelerometer that directly measures movement. The accelerometer captures acceleration data along movement paths, which is then integrated to derive position and timing information, eliminating the need for specialized timing software and complex programming while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an accelerometer as an intermediary device between the machine tool movement and the timing measurement system. This intermediary hardware component directly senses physical movement and converts it into measurable data, serving as a bridge that simplifies the overall measurement system while preserving timing accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If standard timing devices are installed on machine tools, then timing functionality is provided, but customization and sophistication are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the accelerometer universal by programming it to recognize multiple different movement patterns (circles, squares, triangles, and custom paths) and to provide timing information for various machine tool operations. This single device performs multiple timing functions across different movement types, enhancing both ease of operation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic customization of movement paths by allowing users to define custom acceleration patterns and movement sequences beyond standard geometric shapes. The system can adapt to different machine tool configurations and operations by programming custom acceleration profiles, providing flexibility without requiring hardware changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If third-party accelerometers are used instead of manufacturer-installed devices, then customization and sophistication improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality by programming the accelerometer to automatically recognize and time different movement patterns without requiring complex external configuration. The device autonomously captures acceleration data, processes it through integration algorithms, and generates timing information, reducing the burden of system integration while maintaining high customization capability.
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 the timing process, reduces resource consumption, and provides more accurate performance limit measurements, enabling the design of movement paths that adhere to machine tool constraints without compromising quality.
Implementation Method 1
recording, using a computing device including accelerometers and external to the machine tool, first movement data identifying the first predefined movement
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes: selecting a movement path for a moving component of a machine tool; either before or after the movement path, causing the moving component to make a first predefined movement; before the movement path, causing the moving component to make a second predefined movement; after the movement path, causing the moving component to make a third predefined movement; recording, using a computing device including one or more accelerometers, movement data resulting from the first, second and third predefined movements, and from the movement path; analyzing the movement data by finding waveforms to identify a start point, a finish point, and which one of the predefined movement paths in the set was selected; calculating timing information based on the identified start and end points, and the identified one of the predefined movement paths in the set; and determining performance limits of the machine tool based on the timing information.