Machine Tool Measuring Interface for Integrated Air and Signal Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring systems for machine tools require complex and space-consuming setups with multiple pneumatic and electrical lines, posing risks of collision and damage, and complicating the installation and connection processes.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose interface socket provides a mechanical, electrical/optical, and pneumatic fluid connection between the machine tool's controller and the measuring device, with preloaded pins for tolerance compensation and sealed contact points to reduce errors and contamination, allowing for easy installation and operation without additional external lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pneumatic and electrical lines are used to connect the measuring system to the machine tool, then the measuring system can provide sealing air, control laser light passage, clean the tool, and supply power and operating signals, but the installation effort and complexity of connection increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate pneumatic and electrical connection functions into a single integrated connection interface. The measuring system establishes one unified connection to the machine tool that simultaneously provides sealing air through pneumatic lines, controls laser light passage, cleans the tool, and supplies power and operating signals through electrical lines, thereby reducing installation effort while maintaining functional completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that handles both pneumatic and electrical connections through a single interface structure. This multi-functional connector serves multiple purposes: providing sealing air, controlling laser passage, enabling tool cleaning, and transmitting power and signals, eliminating the need for separate dedicated connections for each function
2Ease of operation
If the measuring system is moved to a measuring position within the working area via swivel or linear unit, then measurement can be performed on tools in the working area, but the risk of collision with moving tools and exposure to damage from chips or tools increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent protective cover as an intermediary element between the measuring system and the working environment. This cover allows the measuring system to be positioned within the working area for measurement accessibility while protecting it from chips and tools. The transparency of the cover maintains laser beam transmission for measurement functionality while providing physical protection
3Reliability
If pneumatic lines are provided for the measuring system, then sealing air and tool cleaning functions can be achieved, but the laying and assembly effort of pneumatic lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pneumatic line connections with electrical connections into a single integrated connection interface. The pneumatic lines for sealing air and tool cleaning are bundled together with electrical lines and connected through one unified interface structure, significantly reducing the laying and assembly effort compared to separate pneumatic connections
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 solution simplifies the handling and installation of measuring systems, reduces the risk of collision and damage, and minimizes the complexity of line management, enabling quick and reliable operation in harsh machine tool environments.
Implementation Method 1
a light barrier arrangement (12) for determining the position of a tool or for determining the longest cutting edge of a rotating tool in the machine tool, in that a laser beam (24) is transmitted from a light transmitter part (14) to a light receiver part (16) of the measuring device (10)
Implementation Method 2
compressed air is supplied to a fluid blowing device (60) through a pneumatic line (320) for blowing out the laser beam transmitter and laser beam receiver
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a
Figure 4b~4e
AI summary
A non-contact or tactile measuring system with a multi-purpose interface base (300) for receiving and connecting a non-contact or tactile measuring device (12) comprising a light transmitter and a light receiver, for determining the position of a tool or for determining the longest cutting edge of a rotating tool in a machine tool, wherein the multi-purpose interface base has the following features: at least one mechanical stop (310) corresponding to a counter stop on the measuring device for receiving and repeatably positioning the measuring device on the multi-purpose interface base; at least one second signal transmission point (320a, 320b) on the multi-purpose interface base corresponding to a first signal transmission point on the measuring device; and at least one second fluid transmission point (330) on the multi-purpose interface base corresponding to a first fluid transmission point on the measuring device.