Grinding Machine Light Barrier for In-Transit Workpiece Length Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Grinding machines face challenges in achieving high throughput due to the time-consuming process of determining the unclamping length of workpieces, which hinders efficient machining and increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a light barrier with a transmitter and receiver for contactless measurement of the unclamping length, allowing for simultaneous determination during the movement of the workpiece spindle from the changing position to the machining position, eliminating the need for additional measurement time and enhancing throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical probe is used to scan the workpiece to determine the unclamping length, then the measurement precision is ensured, but the productivity is reduced due to additional measurement time required after workpiece change
Solution Approach 1:
The light barrier is positioned to detect the unclamping length during the workpiece spindle's movement from the automation cabin to the machining position, before the actual machining begins. This preliminary detection during transit eliminates the need for separate post-change measurement steps, thereby maintaining precision while improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical probe scanning system is replaced with an optical light barrier system. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact and the associated time-consuming scanning process, allowing for rapid, contactless measurement of the unclamping length during the workpiece spindle's movement, thus significantly improving throughput while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Manufacturing precision
If the workpiece spindle is moved to the machining position before determining the unclamping length, then the measurement accuracy is ensured, but the loss of time increases due to sequential operations
Solution Approach 1:
The light barrier detection system enables continuous measurement of the unclamping length during the workpiece spindle's movement from the automation cabin to the machining position. This continuous detection process occurs simultaneously with the positioning movement, eliminating idle time and ensuring that no useful action is lost, thereby maintaining precision while reducing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The unclamping length is determined preliminarily during the transit movement of the workpiece spindle, before the machining operation begins. This preliminary determination during movement ensures that the measurement is completed in advance, maintaining accuracy requirements while eliminating additional time that would be needed if measurement occurred after positioning
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 significantly increases the grinding machine's throughput by eliminating the time required for unclamping length determination, enabling faster and more precise workpiece processing without compromising accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a light barrier with a transmitter and at least one receiver is provided for determining the unclamping length of the workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A grinding machine includes a machine bed on which a workpiece spindle with a workpiece holder and a tool spindle with a tool holder are arranged in such a way that a workpiece held in the workpiece spindle can be moved or rotated along several axes relative to a tool held in the tool holder. A cabin is arranged on the machine bed which defines a working space in which the tool spindle and the workpiece spindle are arranged for machining workpieces. The grinding machine has a robot for changing the workpiece, which is arranged outside the work area in an automation cabin. The grinding machine has a light barrier enclosing the X-axis with a transmitter and at least one receiver for determining the unclamping length of the workpiece in the workpiece spindle when the workpiece spindle is moved back from the automation cabin after the workpiece change.