Grinding Machine Touch Probe Modular Support Piece
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools, particularly grinding machines, face challenges in achieving precise and flexible in-process measurements due to complex measuring device structures and calibration processes, which can lead to inaccuracies, especially when measuring eccentric workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A modular measuring device with touch probes on a support piece providing defined target positions, coupled with a control device that determines the actual position of the probes based on the tool unit's position, allowing for precise and flexible measurement of workpieces with minimal effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex linkage structure is used in the measuring device to accommodate movements of eccentric workpieces, then the measuring device can handle a wider range of workpiece movements, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex linkage structure from the measuring device and replaces it with a simple support piece that provides defined target positions. The measuring probe directly engages with these target positions without requiring complex mechanical linkages to accommodate workpiece movements, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from mechanically accommodating workpiece movements through complex linkages to using defined target positions on a support piece. This parameter change transforms the measurement system from one that actively tracks workpiece movement to one that provides fixed reference points, simplifying the device structure.
2Measurement precision
If a single-purpose measuring head is used for specific dimensions, then measurement precision for that dimension is improved, but the device lacks flexibility and requires multiple measuring heads for different dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal support piece with multiple defined target positions that can accommodate different measuring probes for different dimensions. This single support structure serves multiple measurement functions, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated measuring heads while maintaining measurement precision through the defined target positions.
3Measurement precision
If measuring probes are precisely adapted and aligned for each workpiece dimension, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the set-up and calibration processes become time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes defined target positions on the support piece that are precisely positioned in advance. These pre-defined positions eliminate the need for time-consuming alignment and calibration procedures during each measurement setup, as the measuring probes simply need to engage with the pre-positioned target points rather than being precisely aligned to each workpiece dimension.
4Ease of operation
If a modular measuring device with defined target positions is used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the ability to measure eccentric workpieces may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support piece with defined target positions as an intermediary between the measuring probe and the workpiece. This intermediary structure provides stable, pre-defined reference points that simplify the measurement operation while still being capable of accommodating eccentric workpieces, as the target positions can be configured to match the specific geometry and eccentricity of different workpieces.
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine tool in particular a grinding machine, and a method for measuring a workpiece in a machine tool. The machine tool can have a workpiece receptacle (14), a tool unit (28), a measuring device (48) and a control device (56), which is couplable to the measuring device (48) and the tool unit (28), wherein the measuring device (48) is received on the tool unit (28) and has at least one touch probe (66; 68), wherein the at least one touch probe (66; 68) is received on a carrier piece (80) which provides a plurality of defined setpoint positions for the at least one touch probe (66; 68), and wherein the control device (56) is designed to capture signals released by the at least one touch probe (66; 68) when probing a workpiece (96) and to determine an actual position of the at least one touch probe (66; 68) on the basis of an actual position of the tool unit (28).