Dental Milling Touch Probe Alignment for Precise Workpiece Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milling machines have imprecise detection systems for the relative position between the workpiece and the tool, leading to inaccuracies and unproductive idling, especially when clamping or aligning workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A tactile sensor with a deflectable touch probe is used to detect the approach between the workpiece and the tool in multiple spatial directions, allowing for precise alignment without rotating the workpiece, and emitting a signal when a predetermined threshold is reached, enabling improved accuracy and reproducibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detection devices are used to detect the relative position between workpiece and tool, then the milling machine can avoid unproductive idling, but the detection accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical scanning systems and braking-based detection methods with a tactile sensor system that uses direct mechanical contact between the probe and workpiece surface. The deflectable sensing element provides precise mechanical detection of surface topology, achieving higher measurement accuracy while maintaining reliable detection of workpiece presence and position.
2Measurement precision
If the workpiece is rotated to detect approach in multiple directions, then comprehensive position detection is achieved, but the detection process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-point detection approach to a multi-point tactile sensor array that can detect workpiece approach and surface topology simultaneously in multiple spatial directions. The deflectable sensing element with multiple contact points provides three-dimensional position information without requiring workpiece rotation, simplifying the detection process while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
3Productivity
If the milling machine operates at high speed, then productivity is improved, but the detection of precise position requires complete braking upon contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of workpiece presence and position using the tactile sensor before the high-speed milling operation begins. The deflectable probe detects workpiece approach and establishes precise position information in advance, allowing the milling machine to operate continuously at high speed without repeated braking for detection during the machining process.
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
The tactile sensor provides precise detection of the workpiece's position with an accuracy of 0.005 mm and repeatability of 0.002 mm, reducing errors due to incorrect clamping or alignment and ensuring accurate milling results.
Implementation Method 1
this sensor has a sensing element that is deflectable. 'Deflection' here encompasses both a detectable movement in the two transverse directions (X and Y) and in the longitudinal direction of the sensor (Z direction). The deflection of the sensor detects the approach between a surface of the workpiece and the probe.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a milling machine (10) with a milling spindle (12) and a workpiece holder (24) which is movably mounted relative to the milling spindle (12) in at least 3 or 4 spatial directions, with a workpiece which is clamped to the workpiece holder (24), with a probe relative to which the workpiece can be brought into contact and relative to which the probe can be moved to probe the workpiece, wherein the probe is designed as a sensing sensor (18) with a deflection and detection of a deflection of its sensing element (30) in at least 1 spatial direction, or in 2 or 3 spatial directions.