CNC Thread Configuration via Tool Holder Displacement

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for configuring CNC machines to produce threads are inefficient, leading to high scrap rates and increased time due to difficulties in achieving precise thread start position orientation, which results in unacceptable levels of waste, especially in mass manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a tool with thread-producing peaks centered on an axis, where the tool holder's displacement is determined by a first distance and an integer multiple of the pitch to align the thread-producing peak with the desired thread start position on the workpiece, reducing the need for additional measurements and minimizing steps to achieve correct orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment and trial thread cutting methods are used to configure CNC machines, then thread orientation can be achieved, but scrap parts increase and configuration time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethread start position orientationVSAvoidscrap parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-determines the exact distance from the tool holder reference position to the thread-producing peak and pre-calculates the required translation to account for angular offset. This preliminary preparation of configuration data eliminates the need for trial cutting and manual adjustment, thereby preventing scrap parts while achieving precise thread orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment and trial-cutting processes with a computational approach. The configuration is determined through calculations involving the measured distance, angular offset translation, and pitch multiples, substituting human-operated mechanical methods with automated computational determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment and trial thread cutting methods are used to configure CNC machines, then thread orientation can be achieved, but configuration time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethread start position orientationVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-determines the exact distance from the tool holder reference position to the thread-producing peak and pre-calculates the required translation to account for angular offset. This preliminary preparation of configuration data eliminates the need for trial cutting and manual adjustment, thereby preventing scrap parts while achieving precise thread orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment and trial-cutting processes with a computational approach. The configuration is determined through calculations involving the measured distance, angular offset translation, and pitch multiples, substituting human-operated mechanical methods with automated computational determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If complex measurement and adjustment procedures are used, then thread orientation precision can be achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethread start position orientationVSAvoidconfiguration procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential configuration parameters from complex measurement procedures. By measuring only the distance from the tool holder reference position to the thread-producing peak and using pre-calculated translation values for angular offset, the method eliminates unnecessary measurement steps while maintaining orientation precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the configuration problem into a parameter-based calculation system. Instead of complex geometric measurements and manual adjustments, the solution uses specific parameters (distance measurement, angular offset translation, pitch multiples) that can be directly input into the CNC machine to achieve precise thread orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10831175B2Method for configuring a machine for production of a thread and apparatus for producing a thread

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 JAGUAR LAND ROVER LTD

AI summary

A method of configuring a machine (201) for production of a thread, having a pitch (227), on a workpiece (310), the machine (201) comprising: a tool (220) having a thread (223) centred on a first axis (250) and comprising one or more thread-producing peaks (225) for producing the thread having the pitch (227); and a tool holder (210) holding the tool (220), the method comprising: determining a first distance (441), in a first direction (260) parallel to the first axis (250), from a reference position (412) of the tool holder (210) to a first thread-producing peak (226) on the tool (220) when said tool (220) is held in the tool holder (210); and setting a first configuration (401) of the machine (201) wherein the reference position (412) of the tool holder (210) has a displacement (440) parallel to the first axis (250) from a reference position (411) of the workpiece (310) depending only upon: the determined first distance (441); a translation (443) parallel to the first axis (250) to account for an angular offset (340) between the first thread-producing peak (226) and a desired thread start position (311) on the workpiece (310); and an integer multiple (444) of the pitch (227).