Adjustable Mount for Fluid Jet Cutting Head Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for adjusting the position and orientation of multi-axis machines, such as fluid jet cutting machines, are complex and bulky, leading to increased costs and potential degradation of dynamic performance due to manual alignment adjustments and software compensation for tool misalignment.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable mount with a deformable base structure that allows for angular orientation adjustments of the cutting head in multiple rotational degrees of freedom, using resiliently compressible structures and independently adjustable mechanisms to position and orient the cutting head relative to a base reference frame, enabling precise alignment with minimal manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurements and physical adjustments are used to align the tool with the machine's focal point, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement and physical adjustment mechanisms with a software-based compensation system. The CNC code automatically calculates and compensates for tool misalignment based on measured parameters, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment devices while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (CNC code values) to compensate for physical misalignment. By adjusting software parameters rather than physical components, the system achieves accurate alignment without adding mechanical complexity.
2Device complexity
If software compensation is used to correct tool misalignment, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements of tool misalignment and pre-calculates compensation values before actual machining operations. This preliminary characterization of the misalignment allows the CNC code to apply precise compensation during manufacturing, maintaining high precision while keeping the system simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where tool misalignment is measured and this information is fed back into the CNC programming to automatically adjust cutting paths and positions. This closed-loop approach ensures manufacturing precision is maintained through software compensation.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex adjustment systems are installed to accommodate tolerance stackup, then manufacturing precision is improved, but dynamic performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical adjustment systems with lightweight software-based compensation. The CNC code dynamically adjusts for tolerance stackup and misalignment without requiring additional mechanical components, thereby maintaining high dynamic performance and speed while achieving the needed manufacturing precision.
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
Enhances system accuracy and performance by allowing for precise adjustments of pitch, yaw, and roll, reducing misalignment issues and improving dynamic performance while simplifying the alignment process.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable mount having a base structure that is selectively deformable to adjust a position and an orientation of the cutting head relative to a base reference frame
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and related methods are provided for adjusting the position and orientation of an end effector of a multi-axis machine (e.g., a manipulable cutting head of a fluid jet cutting machine) relative to a base reference frame. Systems include an adjustable tool mount having a base structure that includes portions or regions that are selectively deformable to adjust a position and an orientation of a tool supported by the adjustable tool mount.