Chuck Claw Opening Measurement for Workpiece Holding Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece holding devices cannot measure the size of a workpiece during holding and lack self-diagnosis capabilities for failures, limiting their functionality in machine tools and industrial robots.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece holding device equipped with a chuck and an operation rod that measures the opening dimension of chuck claws using a sensor and calculation unit, allowing for simultaneous measurement and detection of malfunctions, with a storage unit for comparison and analysis of dimensions, enabling automatic diagnosis and quality control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional opening/closing chuck is used to increase the opening/closing stroke, then the holding portions can accommodate larger workpieces, but the device cannot measure the size or diagnose failures of the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the workpiece holding function of the chuck with a measurement function by integrating a measurement apparatus that detects workpiece dimensions during the holding process. The chuck and measurement apparatus work together as a unified system, allowing simultaneous holding and measurement without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The chuck is transformed from a single-function holding device into a multi-functional system that performs both workpiece holding and dimension measurement. The measurement apparatus integrated with the chuck enables the same device to serve multiple purposes: mechanical holding and dimensional assessment.
2Device complexity
If a conventional holding device is used, then the structure remains simple, but the device lacks self-diagnosis capability for failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measurement apparatus continuously monitors workpiece dimensions and provides information back to the control system. This feedback enables automatic diagnosis of holding failures by comparing measured dimensions against expected values, allowing the system to detect and report abnormalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device performs self-diagnosis by using its own measurement apparatus to assess whether it is correctly holding the workpiece. The system automatically detects holding failures without requiring external inspection, enabling the device to monitor and diagnose its own performance.
3Device complexity
If no measurement apparatus is integrated, then the device complexity is low, but the device cannot perform automatic loading or quality control
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement apparatus performs preliminary measurement of workpiece dimensions before the loading process proceeds. By measuring the workpiece while it is being held by the chuck, the system verifies dimensions in advance, ensuring quality control is built into the loading process rather than added as a separate subsequent step.
Data Source
AI summary
A workpiece holding device includes: a chuck including a chuck body, and a plurality of chuck claws openably supported on the chuck body and configured to hold a workpiece; an operation rod configured to drive the plurality of chuck claws for opening and closing with movement of the operation rod; and a measuring apparatus configured to measure an opening dimension of the plurality of chuck claws based on a movement amount of the operation rod.