Automatic Lathe Rod Positioning With Integrated Cut-Off Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing machine tools require longer cycle times for machining due to the need to move both a detector and a positioning member in directions that are not aligned with the main spindle axis, increasing the time required for detecting the cut-off condition and positioning the rod material.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool design where the positioning member includes a path for the detector to move in the same direction as the detector, allowing the detector to move along this path when the positioning member moves to a non-contact position, thereby synchronizing the movement directions and reducing the overall time needed for cut-off condition detection and rod material positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the detector and positioning member move in separate directions to determine cut-off condition and position rod material, then both functions can be performed, but the machining cycle time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecut-off condition detectionVSAvoidmachining cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The detector is integrated into the positioning member, merging two previously separate components into one. This allows the detector to move along a path on the positioning member, synchronizing their movements and eliminating the need for separate movement operations, thereby reducing machining cycle time while maintaining both detection and positioning functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detector moves along a predetermined path on the positioning member during its movement, allowing cut-off condition detection to occur during the positioning operation itself. This preliminary integration of detection action into the positioning movement eliminates additional detection time and shortens the overall cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the detector moves in a direction intersecting with the main spindle axis to detect cut-off condition, then detection can be performed, but the positioning operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecut-off condition detectionVSAvoidpositioning operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detector continuously moves along with the positioning member along its path, performing detection continuously during the positioning operation rather than in separate discrete steps. This continuous integrated action eliminates idle time and reduces the overall duration of the positioning operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS10946450B2Machine tool

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 CITIZEN WATCH CO LTD

AI summary

An automatic lathe includes a positioning block that positions a rod material, the rod material projecting from a main spindle contacting the positioning block, and a sensor that moves in a direction intersecting with a shaft center C direction of the main spindle to detect a cut off condition of the rod material. The positioning block includes a groove that allows movement of the sensor, and moves in the same direction as a movement direction of the sensor between a position that contacts the rod material and a position that has no contact with the rod material. The sensor moves along the path in the position that has no contact with the rod material.