Cutting Apparatus Sensor Positioning for Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cutting apparatuses are enlarged in length due to the need to position transmission-type sensors away from the holding table to avoid collisions, which reduces productivity and increases the moving distance of the cutting blade, making them less efficient.
Innovation Solution
A cutting apparatus with a sensor unit where the upper end is positioned lower than the holding table, allowing the cutting blade to enter between a light projection and reception section without requiring significant movement in the axial direction, thus preventing collisions and maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transmission-type sensor is disposed at a position spaced apart from the holding table in the axial direction of the spindle to avoid collision, then collision between the sensor and holding table is prevented, but the cutting apparatus is enlarged in length in the axial direction of the spindle
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is repositioned from a location above the holding table to a location below the holding table, utilizing the Z-axis dimension differently. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the sensor to detect the cutting blade tip without requiring increased axial length in the traditional sensor placement direction, thereby resolving the contradiction between collision prevention and compact apparatus design
2Reliability
If the transmission-type sensor is disposed on the outer side of the holding table in the axial direction of the spindle, then collision is avoided, but the cutting blade needs to largely move in the axial direction of the spindle, causing lowering in productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is positioned below the holding table rather than above it, changing the spatial dimension of sensor placement. This allows the cutting blade to be detected with minimal axial movement since the sensor is located in a position where the blade naturally passes during normal operation, eliminating the need for large axial movements and maintaining high productivity
3Length of stationary object
If the sensor unit is positioned lower than the holding table with upper side opened, then collision is prevented and apparatus size is reduced, but the cutting blade must enter between light projection and reception sections
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the dynamic movement of the cutting blade during normal operation to enable detection. The blade naturally enters between the light projection and reception sections as it rotates and cuts, transforming a potentially complex positioning problem into a simple dynamic detection mechanism that leverages the blade's inherent motion patterns
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 configuration allows for efficient detection of the cutting blade without enlarging the apparatus in the axial direction, maintaining productivity and preventing collisions, enabling precise control of the cutting depth.
Implementation Method 1
a light projection section projecting detection light and a light reception section receiving the detection light
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting apparatus includes a rotatable holding table having a rectangular holding surface, a cutting unit having a cutting blade mounted to a rotatable spindle, and a sensor unit detecting a tip of the cutting blade entering between a light projection section and a light reception section. The sensor unit has an upper end located to be lower than a lower end of the holding table in a Z direction and is located below the axis of the spindle or an extension region of the axis, and when short sides of the rectangular holding surface are set parallel to a Y direction, an upper side of the sensor unit is opened to allow the cutting blade to enter between the light projection section and the light reception section.