Cutting Tool Adjustment System with LCD Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cutting tool adjustment systems for metal cutting tools, particularly boring and reaming tools, face challenges in precision and speed due to manual adjustments in poorly lit CNC machine environments, leading to production delays and errors.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool adjustment system with a body that holds the tool and includes mechanically and electronically engageable adjustment means, featuring a liquid crystal display (LCD) for clear feedback, and optionally motor-driven or manually operable mechanisms to quickly and accurately adjust cutting edges, with power supply and electronic circuitry for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of cutting edges is performed in the CNC machine environment, then the adjustment can be done in-situ without removing the tool, but the poor lighting and metal swarf make it difficult to see fine graduations clearly, leading to increased adjustment time and risk of error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system consisting of a light source and magnifying lens that mediates between the poor machine environment and the operator's need to see fine graduations. The light source illuminates the adjustment mechanism, and the magnifying lens enlarges the view of fine graduations, enabling clear observation without improving the overall machine environment lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation with an optical measurement system that provides magnified and illuminated viewing of the adjustment mechanism. This substitution of mechanical/optical aids for direct visual inspection enables precise adjustment readings even in poorly lit environments with metal swarf present.
2Productivity
If manual adjustment of cutting edges is performed, then no additional expensive equipment is needed, but the adjustment process takes up to fifteen minutes per tool, resulting in significant production losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the form of magnified visual display of fine graduations and adjustment indicators. This feedback allows the operator to quickly and accurately determine the precise position of adjustment components, reducing trial-and-error adjustments and enabling faster completion of the adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides preliminary visual preparation by magnifying and illuminating the adjustment mechanism before the operator begins adjustment. The fine graduations and indicator positions are made clearly visible in advance, allowing the operator to plan the adjustment sequence and execute it more rapidly without repeated measurements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If replaceable carbide blades are used in reamers, then economy and flexibility are improved, but the blades must be set extremely precisely to maintain correctly sized holes, requiring removal from the CNC machine and placement in expensive setting fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement and adjustment function from the complex external setting fixture and integrates it directly into the CNC machine environment. By providing magnification and illumination within the machine, the need for separate expensive setting equipment is eliminated, allowing precision adjustment to be performed in-situ.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal adjustment system that can be used with various reamer types and configurations within the CNC machine. The optical measurement and adjustment mechanism provides a general solution that eliminates the need for specialized setting fixtures for different tool types, enhancing versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting tool adjustment system comprising a body in the form of a cartridge (10) adjustably carrying a cutting tool (10a), adjustment means (17; 23; 29; 39) mechanically adjustably engageable with the body for positionally adjusting a cutting edge of the cutting tool (10a), and means (19, 20; 30, 31; 34, 35) electronically engageable with the body aid including power supply means for powering display means (21; 28; 36) for indicating the adjustment of the cutting edge position.