Chuck Jaw Position Sensing for Faster Machine Tool Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools face inefficiencies in loading times and malfunctions detection due to limitations in space for proximity switches in loading devices, which hinder the detection of chuck jaw opening and closing speeds and lead to time losses and potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A loading device equipped with a sensor that detects continuously changing signals for the open-end, closed-end, and movement positions of chuck jaws, allowing the movement mechanism to initiate action before the chuck jaws fully open, and utilizing dual sensors on both the loading device and spindle chucks to streamline workpiece delivery and receipt processes, enabling early detection of speed reductions and malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple proximity switches are arranged at specific intervals to detect dogs at different positions, then the detection capability of chuck jaw positions is improved, but the space requirements exceed available space in the loading device
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented between two sensors: one sensor on the loading device chuck detects the open-end position, while another sensor on the spindle chuck detects the closed-end position. This segmentation allows position detection without requiring multiple sensors in the limited loading device space.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system transitions from a single-location detection approach to a distributed detection approach across different spatial locations (loading device chuck and spindle chuck), effectively using spatial dimensionality to resolve the space constraint problem.
2Reliability
If the movement mechanism waits for the chuck jaws to fully open before moving the chuck, then the workpiece delivery is ensured to be safe, but the loading time increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The movement mechanism initiates movement of the chuck before the chuck jaws complete their opening action. By detecting the open-end position during the opening process rather than waiting for full opening, the system performs the movement action in advance, reducing loading time while maintaining delivery safety through continuous position monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor continuously detects the open-end position of the chuck jaws and provides feedback to the movement mechanism. This feedback enables the movement mechanism to determine the appropriate timing for chuck movement based on real-time jaw position information, optimizing both safety and efficiency.
3Device complexity
If only the open-end and closed-end positions of chuck jaws are detected, then the basic chucking function is achieved, but malfunctions such as reduced opening and closing speed cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor detects the open-end position during the opening process before the chuck jaws reach their fully open state. This preliminary detection provides timing information that enables calculation of opening speed, allowing malfunction detection while maintaining a relatively simple detection system structure.
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 solution significantly reduces loading time, enhances efficiency, and allows for timely detection of chuck jaw issues, improving overall productivity and enabling proactive maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (25a) being provided in the main chuck jaws (21a) to detect a continuously changing signal depending on an open-end position of the main chuck jaws (21a), a closed-end position of the main chuck jaws (21a), and movement position between the open-end position and the closed-end position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A loading device (20) has a chuck (21, 22) that chucks a workpiece W on chuck jaws (21a, 22a) that are opened and closed, and a movement mechanism (60) that moves the chuck and delivers the workpiece W to and from a spindle (11, 31) of a machine tool (1A, 1B). The loading device (20) has a sensor (25a, 25b) that detects a continuously changing signal depending on an open-end position of the chuck jaws, a closed-end position of the chuck jaws, and a movement position between the open-end position and the closed-end position. The movement mechanism (60) is capable of starting to move the chuck (21, 22) when the chuck jaws (21a, 22a) are in the movement position, based on an output from the sensor (25a, 25b).