Handheld Lathe Leveler for Small Diameter Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for centering cutting tools in lathe machining are often too large and bulky to effectively handle work pieces with small diameters, particularly when making inner diameter cuts, as they are not adaptable for precise centering of cutting tools on both outer and inner surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A handheld lathe leveler with symmetrical leveling arms and a leveling plate, featuring contact points with rounded edges, a centering gage, and a cutting tool receiving surface, allowing for centering of cutting tools on cylindrical work pieces in both upright and inverted positions, with adjustable arm lengths to accommodate diameters as small as 3 inches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional centering tools are used, then centering accuracy is improved, but the tool size becomes too large for small diameter work pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The centering tool is divided into two separate leveling arms that can independently contact the work piece surface, allowing the tool to be scaled down to fit small diameter work pieces while maintaining centering accuracy through the geometric relationship between the arms and the bubble level
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional single-point contact centering to two-point contact centering, adding a spatial dimension to the centering mechanism. This allows the tool to accommodate small work piece diameters by distributing contact points across different locations on the work piece surface
2Adaptability or versatility
If the leveling arms are made shorter to fit small work pieces, then adaptability is improved, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The contact points at the distal ends of the leveling arms are made spherical or rounded, which provides stable point contact with the work piece surface regardless of minor surface irregularities. This curvature design maintains structural stability even when the arms are shortened to fit small diameter work pieces
3Ease of manufacture
If the tool is designed for outer diameter centering, then outer diameter cutting is improved, but inner diameter cutting capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The centering tool is designed with a universal application capability by providing two contact points that can engage with either the outer surface or inner surface of the work piece. The symmetrical design of the leveling arms allows the same tool to perform both outer diameter centering (by contacting the outer surface) and inner diameter centering (by contacting the inner surface), eliminating the need for separate specialized tools
Data Source
AI summary
A lathe leveler for centering a cutting tool in relation to a cylindrical work piece includes a first leveling arm having a first contact point disposed adjacent a distal end of the first leveling arm, a second leveling arm having a second contact point disposed adjacent a distal end of the second leveling arm, a leveling gage, and a leveling plate having a cutting tool receiving surface positioned parallel to a horizontal axis of the leveling gage and on a same plane as a midpoint of the first contact point and the second contact point. The leveling arms and leveling plate are dimensioned and configured such that the cutting tool receiving surface is centered in relation to the work piece when the first and second contact points are in contact with one of the inner surface and outer surface of the cylindrical work piece and the leveling gage is centered.