Hand-Held Connector Milling with Programmable Recess Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector milling machines lack flexibility in creating recesses with defined geometries and are not easily adaptable to different types of connectors, limiting their versatility.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held connector milling machine equipped with a contact device, milling tool, electrical drive, and electronic control unit that allows for precise positioning and movement along multiple degrees of freedom, enabling the creation of recesses with customizable geometries and the ability to produce various types of connector holes and cut-outs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional connector milling machine is used, then the machine structure is simple, but the flexibility and adaptability to create different recess geometries are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector milling machine is designed with a universal interface system comprising a contact device with contact structure, electrical positioning device with multiple degrees of freedom, and electronic control unit. This universal interface allows the single machine to create various types of connectors (dowels, screws, clips, etc.) and different recess geometries through programmable movement sequences, eliminating the need for multiple specialized machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine employs dynamic positioning capabilities where the milling tool can be displaced along at least two linear positioning degrees of freedom relative to the contact structure. The electrical positioning device enables continuous adjustment of tool position and movement sequences, allowing adaptation to different connector types and geometries through controlled motion rather than fixed mechanical configurations.
2Manufacturing precision
If the machine is designed for high precision positioning, then the recess geometry precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system replaces complex mechanical precision mechanisms with an electrical positioning device controlled by an electronic control unit. The control unit receives movement information and generates control signals to drive the milling tool along precise trajectories. This electrical control system achieves high positioning precision through digital control algorithms and feedback mechanisms rather than purely mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves precision through programmable movement parameters stored as movement information. The electronic control unit processes these parameters to control the electrical positioning device, enabling precise reproduction of different recess geometries by changing control parameters rather than physical machine configurations. This allows high precision across multiple connector types through software-based parameter adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the machine creates various connector types with different geometries, then the versatility is improved, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores pre-programmed movement information for different connector types and recess geometries in the electronic control unit. Before operation, the appropriate movement sequence is selected and loaded, allowing the machine to immediately execute the predefined path without manual repositioning or setup. This preliminary programming eliminates setup time during production switches between different connector types.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit stores digital copies of movement sequences for various connector geometries. When a different connector type is required, the system simply loads the corresponding stored movement information rather than physically reconfiguring the machine. This digital copying approach enables rapid switching between production types while maintaining consistent precision across all connector variations.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held connector milling machine for producing a recess in a workpiece, the recess having a connector hole for receiving at least part of a connector. The connector milling machine includes: an electrical positioning device which is designed to move the milling tool along at least two positioning degrees of freedom, that are in particular linear, relative to the bearing structure; and an electronic control unit which is designed to control the electrical positioning device according to movement information so that the electrical positioning device displaces the milling tool in a movement sequence defined by the movement information along the at least two positioning degrees of freedom, while the milling tool performs a rotational removal movement in order to produce the recess which has the connector hole and a predefined recess geometry.