Gas Biasing Tool Length Measurement Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool length measurement apparatuses often break small-diameter tools due to strong elastic forces from springs, which prevent the measurement surface from returning to its reference position, especially when coolant fixation occurs.
Innovation Solution
A tool length measurement apparatus using a supporter that translates with a biasing force from the tool, combined with a detector and a biasing unit that uses gas to counteract the spring force, allowing the measurement surface to return to its reference position while reducing the risk of tool breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring with strong elastic force is used to bias the measurement surface, then the measurement surface can return to the reference position even when coolant fixation occurs, but small-diameter tools break when pressed against the measurement surface
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing function is divided into two independent components: a support unit that provides mechanical support and a biasing unit that provides the restoring force. This segmentation allows the biasing force to be applied separately from the support structure, enabling precise control of the force magnitude to prevent tool breakage while ensuring return to reference position.
Solution Approach 2:
A biasing unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the support unit and the measurement surface. This intermediary applies a controlled biasing force through a biasing member (such as a spring or elastic element) that can be adjusted to provide sufficient restoring force without excessive strength that would damage tools.
2Strength
If the elastic force of the spring is weakened to prevent tool breakage, then tool strength is preserved, but the measurement surface cannot return to the reference position when coolant fixation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing force is made adjustable and dynamic rather than fixed. The biasing unit can adapt its force output based on operating conditions, providing sufficient force to overcome coolant fixation when needed while maintaining lower force during normal operation to protect tools. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between needing strong force for reliability and weak force for tool protection.
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 solution enables reliable return of the measurement surface to its reference position, preventing tool breakage and ensuring accurate measurements, even with weak spring elastic forces, and effectively managing coolant fixation.
Implementation Method 1
a gas supplier that supplies gas to push the measurement surface upward
Data Source
AI summary
This invention reliably returns a measurement surface to a reference position while weakening the elastic force of a spring. A tool length measurement apparatus of this invention includes a supporter that supports the measurement surface that the tip of a tool contacts while translating in accordance with a biasing force received from the tool. The tool length measurement apparatus of this invention also includes a detector that detects the position of the measurement surface in a translation direction. The tool length measurement apparatus of this invention also includes a biasing unit that biases the measurement surface by a gas in a direction against the biasing force received from the tool.