Machine Tool Chuck Interface for Automated Workpiece Position Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices require manual workpiece insertion and removal, leading to potential position changes due to centrifugal forces and impurities, necessitating time-consuming manual checks for correct positioning.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical and inductive interface on the clamping device allows for automated position checking by a robotic arm, enabling automatic verification and initiation of the machining process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual workpiece insertion and removal is used, then the clamping device can be operated with simple structure, but the position checking becomes time-consuming and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-position checking through the interface device that automatically detects workpiece clamping status and position, eliminating the need for manual inspection by operators. The control unit automatically evaluates the detected position data and determines whether machining can proceed.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual position checking by operators is replaced with an automated detection system using the interface device that communicates with the control unit. This substitutes human manual inspection with automated electronic detection and evaluation.
2Reliability
If manual position checking is performed, then the workpiece position can be verified, but the process requires considerable time and technical knowledge from operating personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically evaluates the position data detected by the interface device and determines whether the workpiece is correctly positioned, eliminating the need for operators to possess specialized technical knowledge for position verification.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual position verification by trained personnel is replaced with automated electronic detection and evaluation systems, reducing the need for human expertise while maintaining or improving position verification reliability.
3Force
If hydraulic or mechanical drive devices are used for clamping jaws, then the clamping force is sufficient, but the automated position check becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The position detection system uses non-contact or minimal-contact sensing methods that work effectively regardless of the clamping mechanism type, avoiding additional complexity while maintaining compatibility with hydraulic or mechanical drive 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 automated and efficient workpiece positioning, reducing manual intervention and ensuring accurate clamping without manual checks, thereby improving machining precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
which interface is connected inductively to the drive device and/or an analysis device and/or by means of electric lines
Data Source
AI summary
In the case of a clamping device (1) for holding a workpiece (3) to be machined by a machine tool (2), consisting of a housing (4), at least one clamping jaw (7) mounted in the housing (4) so that it is axially movable and a counter-stop (10) formed by the housing (4), between which the workpiece (3) is clamped or at least two clamping jaws (7, 8, 9) mounted in the housing (4) so they are axially movable, between which the workpiece (3) is clamped, and an electrically operated drive device (11), by means of which the movable clamping jaws (7, 8, 9) are movably controlled, and by means of which a holding force, transmitted by the clamping jaws (7, 8, 9) to the workpiece (3) or by a clamping bolt (3′) coupled with the workpiece (3), is generated during the clamping process, both an automated insertion as well as a clamping device (1) are supposed to be further developed, by means of which an automated position check of the inserted workpiece (3) can be carried out, and by means of which, when the test result is available, either the beginning of the machining process is automatically initiated or a check of the position of the workpiece (3) in the clamping device (1) is conducted. This is achieved in that an electromechanical and/or inductive interface (12, 13) is provided on the housing (4), which interface is connected inductively to the drive device (11) and/or an analysis device (11′) and/or by means of electric lines (16), that the interface (12, 13) for an external robotic arm (14) is accessible and communicates with said robotic arm in such a way, that electric data signals and/or electric energy between the interface (12, 13) of the housing (4) and an electromechanical and/or inductive interface (12′, 13′) of the robotic arm (14) can be transmitted alternately and bidirectionally.