Copying Guide Attachment for Accurate Robot Arm Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining technologies using robot arms for processing composite materials and metals face low positioning accuracy and require skilled operators for manual processing, limiting their ability to perform high-accuracy cutting operations like outline trim and pocket processing.
Innovation Solution
An attachment for a machining apparatus comprising a copying guide and air supply passage that allows a tool to be passed through, enabling precise positioning and force detection, with a spindle for rotating the tool and air ejection to manage reaction forces, allowing automated high-accuracy cutting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a robot arm is used for cutting processing, then automation is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A copying guide is introduced as an intermediary component that contacts the copying mold and guides the tool. The copying guide translates the contour of the copying mold into precise tool movement, enabling the robot to achieve high positioning accuracy through the guiding mechanism rather than relying on the robot arm's inherent precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical positioning system (relying on robot arm precision) with a guiding system that uses geometric constraints. The copying guide's through-hole geometry and contact with the copying mold create a mechanical guidance system that substitutes for the robot's positioning capability
2Manufacturing precision
If a large scale machine tool is used for cutting processing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a copying mold that replicates the desired workpiece contour. The copying guide follows this mold to reproduce the shape, enabling complex precision machining without requiring a large-scale machine tool. The copying process transfers the geometry from the mold to the workpiece through the guided tool movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential guiding function from the complex machine tool system. Instead of using the entire machine tool structure, only the critical guiding function is implemented through the copying guide and copying mold, simplifying the system while maintaining precision
3Manufacturing precision
If manual processing is used for outline trim, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to skill requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The copying guide system is self-guiding through its geometric constraints. The through-hole geometry and contact with the copying mold automatically ensure proper tool positioning and movement, eliminating the need for operator skill in maintaining positioning accuracy. The system self-regulates the copying quality through its mechanical design
Solution Approach 2:
The copying guide provides continuous geometric feedback to the tool position through its contact with the copying mold. As the guide follows the mold's contour, it automatically corrects any positioning deviations, providing real-time feedback that maintains copying quality without operator intervention
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 high-accuracy cutting operations such as outline trim, groove, and pocket processing with large reaction forces using a robot arm, achieving precision comparable to machine tools while reducing the need for skilled operators.
Implementation Method 1
an air supply passage adapted to supply air ejected toward the workpiece side through a clearance between the tool and the through hole
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, an attachment for a machining apparatus according to the invention includes: a copying guide (20) in a machining apparatus side and an air supply passage (21). The copying guide (20) has a through hole for passing a tool (T) through. The copying guide (20) is contacted to a copying mold (J1) placed in a workpiece side. The copying guide (20) is attached to a spindle holding and rotating the tool (T). The air supply passage (21) is adapted to supply air ejected toward the workpiece side through a clearance between the tool (T) and the through hole.