Machine Tool Spindle-Holder Distance Measurement for Faster Setup

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools require manual measurement and setup of the distance between the spindle of the cutting unit and the holder of the turning unit each time machining is initiated, which is inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool configuration that includes a first unit with a spindle, a second unit with a holder, a support member, a table for the object to be machined, a relative movement mechanism, a movement control unit, a relative position detection unit, and a distance calculation unit to automatically calculate the distance between the first and second units based on detected relative positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual measurement and setup of the distance between spindle and holder is performed each time machining is initiated, then the machine tool can maintain fixed positional relationship between cutting unit and turning unit, but the setup time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixed positional relationshipVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine tool performs self-measurement of the distance between the spindle and holder using the built-in sensor. The sensor automatically detects the positions of the spindle and holder, and the control unit calculates the distance without requiring external manual measurement tools or operators, thus reducing setup time while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated sensor-based detection system. The sensor (optical, electromagnetic, or other type) automatically measures positions and the control unit computes distances, substituting human operators and manual tools with automated electronic systems to improve efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual measurement and setup of the distance between spindle and holder is performed each time machining is initiated, then the machine tool can maintain fixed positional relationship between cutting unit and turning unit, but the operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixed positional relationshipVSAvoidsetup operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The machine tool performs self-measurement of the distance between the spindle and holder using the built-in sensor. The sensor automatically detects the positions of the spindle and holder, and the control unit calculates the distance without requiring external manual measurement tools or operators, thus reducing setup time while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated sensor-based detection system. The sensor (optical, electromagnetic, or other type) automatically measures positions and the control unit computes distances, substituting human operators and manual tools with automated electronic systems to improve efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12346085B2Machine tool

Publication Date: 2025.07.01 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A machine tool capable of easily acquiring the distance between a spindle of a first unit and a holder of a second unit. A machine tool according to one embodiment comprises: relative movement mechanisms which move a table for supporting an object to be machined relatively to a support unit for supporting the first N unit and the second unit: a movement control unit which controls the relative movement mechanisms; a relative position detection unit which detects the position of the table relative to the support unit; and a distance calculation unit which calculates the distance between the first unit and the second unit on the basis of a relative position when the first unit and the table reach a first relative positional relationship and a relative position when the second unit and the table reach a second relative positional relationship.