Feeler Roller Eccentric Adjustment for Tool Wear Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for processing panel-shaped workpieces, such as those made of wood or plastic, face challenges in maintaining a constant positional relationship between the tool and workpiece due to tool wear and changes in material strength, leading to increased machine downtimes and the need for frequent feeler roller adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotatably mounted feeler roller of larger diameter, adjustable via an eccentric mechanism, allows for compensation of tool wear and adaptation to different materials and machining directions without the need for frequent feeler roller replacements, enabling precise positioning and reduced machine downtimes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the feeler roller diameter is fixed and matches the tool diameter, then the initial positioning is accurate, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to tool wear requiring frequent feeler roller replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The feeler roller is mounted on an adjustable support arm that allows dynamic adjustment of the feeler roller's position and orientation. This enables the system to adapt to tool wear by repositioning the feeler roller rather than replacing it, maintaining positioning accuracy while reducing machine downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm can be adjusted to change the position and orientation parameters of the feeler roller. By modifying these parameters, the system compensates for tool wear and maintains accurate positioning without requiring feeler roller replacement.
2Device complexity
If the feeler roller is directly attached to the tool holder, then the kinematic structure is simple and weight is reduced, but the system lacks adaptability to different materials and tool conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm provides a dynamically adjustable mounting for the feeler roller, allowing the system to adapt to different materials and tool conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The adjustability is achieved through mechanical means that add minimal complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable support arm structure serves multiple functions: it mounts the feeler roller, allows positioning adjustments for different tools, and provides adaptation to various materials. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components.
3Reliability
If the feeler roller diameter is increased, then the roller has better stability and tracking, but the adjustment range required to compensate for tool wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adjusting only the radial position of the feeler roller, the support arm enables adjustment in multiple dimensions including angular orientation and axial position. This multi-dimensional adjustment capability compensates for the limited adjustment range while maintaining roller stability.
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 solution effectively compensates for tool wear and adapts to varying machining conditions, reducing downtime and simplifying the machining process by allowing for adjustments during operation, thus ensuring precise and efficient processing of workpieces across different materials and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
The feeler roller is mounted by means of an adjustment arrangement in such a way that its axis of rotation can be adjusted relative to the associated tool
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (1) comprises a tool arrangement (10), which has a tool (12) that is acting on a workpiece (30), and a contact unit (14) with a contact roller (16), which is rotatably stored around its rotary axis (17) adjacent to the tool and controlling the position of the tool relative to the workpiece. The contact roller is supported by an actuating arrangement. An independent claim is also included for a method for processing plate-like workpieces, particularly sections of wood, wood materials, or plastic.