Machine Tool Camera Layout for Heat- and Vibration-Stable Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In machine tool testing, positional deviations caused by heat conduction and vibration lead to reduced test accuracy due to misalignment of the camera and illumination device, affecting the reliability of tool inspection.
Innovation Solution
The camera is fixed to the headstock above the workpiece spindle with an inclined optical axis, and the illumination unit is arranged closer to the camera, forming a test area between them, which prevents misalignment and maintains stability during imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the camera is supported by a long arm fixed to the headstock, then the camera can be positioned to image the tool, but heat conduction from the headstock causes the arm to extend and creates positional deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is extracted from the headstock structure and mounted on the machine tool bed or column instead. This separates the camera mounting location from the heat-generating headstock, eliminating the heat conduction path while maintaining the camera's ability to image the tool in the test area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting structure (the machine tool bed or column) between the camera and the headstock. This intermediary provides a stable, cool mounting location that is thermally isolated from the headstock, serving as a mediator that prevents heat transfer to the camera.
2Measurement precision
If the camera is positioned on the headstock, then the test area is accessible, but vibration from the workpiece spindle causes instability in camera position
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is extracted from the vibrating headstock assembly and mounted on the more stable machine tool bed or column structure. This removes the camera from the vibration source while maintaining its functional positioning for tool imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting the camera on the moving, vibrating headstock, the patent inverts the mounting approach by fixing the camera to the stationary bed or column and allowing the workpiece and tool to move relative to the fixed camera position.
3Measurement precision
If the camera and illumination device are arranged on opposite sides, then high-contrast images are obtained, but the complex arm structure is susceptible to heat and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is extracted from the complex arm structure and mounted directly on the machine tool bed or column. The illumination device remains on the arm, but this simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for a long arm to support the camera, reducing the complexity and vulnerability to environmental factors.
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 configuration ensures accurate and stable imaging of the tool, reducing the impact of heat conduction and vibration on positional accuracy and enhancing the reliability of tool inspection results.
Implementation Method 1
the headstock is provided with a motor for rotating the workpiece spindle, and the temperature of the headstock may become high because of the motor serving as a heat source. The arm may extend (expand) due to conduction of heat from the headstock
Implementation Method 2
a camera and an illumination device for tool test are generally supported by a long arm... the camera to obtain a high-contrast image in which the outline position of the tool is easily viewable... the outline of a tool is extracted from differences in the contrast between the tool and the background
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool includes a headstock for supporting a workpiece spindle to allow the workpiece spindle to rotate and a camera for imaging a tool held in a predetermined area. The camera is fixed to the headstock above the workpiece spindle with an optical axis of the camera inclined with respect to a vertical direction. The machine tool may further include an illumination unit arranged to face the camera. In this case, the area is formed between the camera and the illumination unit. The camera is arranged to be closer to the headstock than the illumination unit is.