Lathe Coordinate Mapping for Automatic Tool Holder Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lathe systems require manual adjustments of the tool holder's rotation about the third axis to align the cutting edge with the workpiece surface, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and lathe configuration that ensures the rotation specifications of the tool holder about the third axis are compatible across different working modes, allowing fully automated operation without manual adjustments by defining consistent coordinate directions and rotations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustments are made to the tool holder rotation about the third axis to align the cutting edge with the workpiece surface, then the cutting edge alignment precision is improved, but the productivity and working efficiency deteriorate due to time-consuming manual interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining consistent coordinate directions and rotation specifications for the tool holder across all working modes before machining operations begin. The control unit is pre-programmed with transformation rules that automatically adjust tool holder orientation when switching between working modes, eliminating the need for manual adjustments during operation. This pre-configuration ensures the cutting edge is always properly aligned with the workpiece surface regardless of which working mode is active.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coordinate transformations are performed for each working mode switch, then the adaptability to different working modes is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple coordinate system adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by establishing a unified coordinate system framework that works across all working modes. Instead of creating separate coordinate transformation routines for each mode switch, the system defines universal positive directions for all coordinate axes that remain consistent regardless of the active working mode. The control unit uses these universal definitions to automatically perform appropriate transformations, allowing the same control logic to handle multiple working modes without increasing system complexity.
3Extent of automation
If the tool holder rotation specifications are made compatible across all working modes, then the extent of automation is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases due to coordinated coordinate system definitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically defining the orientation and direction of all coordinate axes as fixed parameters that remain consistent across working modes. Specifically, the patent defines positive directions for all coordinate axes (X, Y, Z, and rotation axes) in a standardized manner. When the working mode changes, the control unit automatically adjusts the tool holder rotation parameters based on these predefined coordinate definitions, enabling full automation without requiring complex real-time calculations or manual parameter adjustments.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lathe and a method for operating a lathe (TMC) for machining a workpiece (WPC) by turning. For the automatic implementation of instruction sequences (SQC) without manual intervention, it is proposed that the instruction sequence (SQC) comprises: - Defining a positive first coordinate direction (CFD) for all working modes (WMD) in the direction of the spindle (SPD), which does not determine the rotation, - Defining a positive second coordinate direction (CSD) extending from the workpiece rotation axis (XWP) for all working modes (WMD), such that, by means of a defined chain of rotations, reflections, and/or translations of the coordinate data (CDR) of the instruction sequence (SQC) for each possible change from one specific working mode (WMD) to another, the coordinate data (CDR) for the respective current working mode (WMD) is made compatible.the instruction sequence (SQC) further includes: - Defining a positive rotation direction (RTD) of the tool rotation axis (XTL) for each of the following work modes (WMD): from the first coordinate direction (CFD) via the shorter rotation angle to the second coordinate direction (CSD); - Defining a zero angle (ZAG) of the tool rotation axis (XTL) for each of the following work modes (WMD): coincident with the respective second coordinate direction (CSD).