Machine Axis Referencing by Electrical Contact Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grinding and/or eroding machines face challenges in achieving high accuracy for machine axis referencing due to the sensitivity and contamination issues with touch, force, and proximity sensors, requiring precise adjustment and high detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The use of electrically conductive measuring bodies, such as a measuring mandrel and disk, connected to different potentials, allows for precise position detection by measuring current flow when they come into contact, eliminating the need for complex sensors and reducing exposure to contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If touch, force or proximity sensors are used for machine axis referencing, then position detection capability is improved, but sensor sensitivity to contamination and requirement for precise adjustment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical touch sensors, force sensors, and proximity sensors with an electrical measurement system. Two electrically conductive measuring bodies are brought into contact to establish an electrical connection, and the resulting current flow is measured to detect position. This substitution eliminates the need for complex sensor adjustment and reduces sensitivity to mechanical contamination while maintaining high measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If touch, force or proximity sensors are used for machine axis referencing, then position detection capability is improved, but susceptibility to contamination from chips, coolant or the like increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical sensors that are directly exposed to the machining environment with an electrical connection-based measurement system. The measuring bodies establish contact only during measurement, and the electrical connection detection is not affected by chips, coolant, or other contaminants present in the working area, thereby eliminating susceptibility to environmental contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrical current flow as an intermediary to detect contact between measuring bodies. Instead of relying on physical sensor elements that are directly exposed to contaminants, the measurement is performed through the electrical signal generated when conductive bodies make contact, which can be detected without the sensor being physically present in the contaminated working area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex sensor arrangements are used for multi-axis referencing, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a universal electrical connection-based measurement principle that can be applied to multiple machine axes. The same basic setup of two conductive measuring bodies and current flow detection can reference translational axes, rotary axes, and different degrees of freedom, eliminating the need for different sensor types for different axes and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex multi-axis sensor arrangements with a simplified electrical measurement system. By using electrically conductive measuring bodies and detecting current flow, the system achieves multi-axis referencing capability without requiring multiple complex sensors, reducing both device complexity and cost while maintaining measurement versatility.
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 method enables accurate and cost-effective referencing of machine axes with high precision, avoiding complex sensor setups and contamination risks, while allowing for simple and reliable measurement outside the working area.
Implementation Method 1
A ground potential (0 volts) is preferably used as the reference potential. The second measuring body is also connected to a monitoring device. The measuring bodies can be moved or positioned or aligned relative to one another via a control device. The control device of the machine controls the machine axes in order to move the measuring bodies relative to one another in such a way that they come into contact with one another at a contact point. As soon as this contact occurs at the contact point, a measuring current flows between the measuring bodies and preferably from the second measuring body with a higher potential to the first measuring body with a lower potential.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a grinding and/or eroding machine (10) and to a method for measuring and referencing the assembly (11) of multiple machine axes (12), each of which can be formed by a rotational or translational machine axis. For this purpose, a measuring disc (28) is inserted into a tool spindle (13), and a measuring gauge (27) is inserted into a workpiece holding device (14). The measuring gauge (27) is electrically connected to a reference potential, preferably ground (M). The measuring disc (28) is electrically connected to a supply voltage potential (UV). By establishing a contact between the measuring disc (28) and the measuring gauge (27), a measuring current (IM) flows between the supply voltage potential (UV) and the reference potential, e.g. from the supply voltage potential (UV) to ground (M). The flow of the measuring current (IM) can be detected in a monitoring device (31), and the current position of the machine axes (12) can be ascertained at the time the current flow of the measuring current (IM) begins. One or more contact points (K) between the measuring disc (28) and the measuring gauge (27) can be approached via the axis assembly (11), and the axis assembly (11) or the machine is thus referenced or measured.