Branched Sensor Arm Layout for Long Tool Edge Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool cutting edge measuring devices face interference issues with machine structures, particularly in horizontal lathes, when measuring long tools, leading to incomplete tool length measurement due to spatial constraints.
Innovation Solution
A tool cutting edge measuring device with an arm that moves between advance and retracted positions, equipped with branching units in both X-axis and Z-axis directions, allowing contact sensors to measure cutting edges without interfering with internal structures, ensuring accurate measurement of inner and outer diameter tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the arm advances into the machining chamber to measure the cutting edge, then the measurement function is achieved, but the arm may interfere with internal structures such as the tailstock when measuring long tools
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is designed with branching units that extend in both X-axis and Z-axis directions, transforming a single-directional measurement approach into a multi-dimensional measurement capability. This allows the sensor to reach the cutting edge through a branched path rather than a straight advance, avoiding interference with the tailstock while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Length of moving object
If the tool length is increased to ensure required tool length, then the tool functionality is improved, but the tool post may interfere with the tailstock when the arm advances
Solution Approach 1:
By providing branching units in both X-axis and Z-axis directions, the measurement system can accommodate longer tools without causing interference. The branched structure allows the sensor to approach the cutting edge from a path that does not require the tool post to encroach on the tailstock space
3Device complexity
If a single touch sensor is used for measurement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement capability is limited to specific tool types
Solution Approach 1:
The arm with branching units is designed to accommodate multiple sensor configurations, enabling a single arm structure to serve multiple measurement functions. The branching structure allows different sensors to be positioned optimally for measuring different tool types (inner diameter tools, outer diameter tools, etc.), achieving versatility without requiring completely separate measurement systems
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
Enables interference-free measurement of cutting edges for tools of varying lengths, ensuring the required tool length is achieved without restricting the arm's stroke, applicable to horizontal lathes and other machine tools.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of contact type sensors 14, 15 are mounted to first and second branching units 12, 13
Data Source
AI summary
A tool cutting edge measuring device that is mounted on a horizontal lathe and multitasking machine includes contact type sensors and an arm. The sensors are configured to measure cutting edge positions of tools in a machining chamber and the arm is movable between an advance position and a retracted position. The arm advances into the machining chamber at the advance position and retracts from the machining chamber at the retracted position. The arm has distal ends provided with two branching units branched into the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction at the advance position and the sensors are mounted to the respective branching units.