Machine Tool Automatic Mounting Error Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools require additional displacement detectors and manual operator intervention for correcting mounting errors, leading to variability in accuracy and potential damage to brittle materials.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool system that automatically corrects the orientation of workpieces or machining attachments using inherent position detectors, eliminating the need for special displacement detectors and allowing for automatic reflection of correction values in machining coordinates, even with limited rotary axes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a displacement detector is used to detect inclination and manually adjust the workpiece orientation, then mounting error correction can be achieved, but additional measuring instruments are required and operator variability affects accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting error correction accuracyVSAvoidadditional measuring instruments

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The position detector, originally designed for detecting positions of movable axes during machining operations, is made to serve a dual function by detecting contact between the probe and workpiece surface for inclination measurement. This eliminates the need for separate displacement detectors while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The machine tool's inherent position detection system performs the inclination measurement function that would otherwise require external measuring instruments. The system uses its own position detectors to detect contact and determine workpiece inclination, making the measurement process self-contained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of workpiece orientation is performed based on displacement detector data, then mounting error can be corrected, but the process is time-consuming and accuracy varies by operator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation correction accuracyVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects contact between the probe and workpiece surface using position detectors, obtains coordinate values, and calculates inclination automatically. The numerical controller then automatically corrects the machining program based on detected inclination, eliminating manual measurement and adjustment steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical adjustment operations are replaced by an automated system that uses position detectors to detect contact, numerical control to calculate inclination, and automatic program correction to compensate for mounting errors. This substitution eliminates operator variability and reduces adjustment time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If the surface of brittle material is directly traced with a displacement detector, then positioning can be achieved, but linear scars may be left on the surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsurface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A probe serves as an intermediary contact element that can be made from soft materials or designed with compliant mechanisms to contact the brittle material surface without causing damage. The probe detects surface position through controlled contact while minimizing harmful effects on the workpiece surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact detection method changes from direct surface tracing with rigid displacement detectors to controlled contact detection using a probe that can be adjusted in terms of contact force, material composition, and contact geometry. This allows detection of surface position while preventing surface damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS7852031B2Machine tool having function of correcting mounting error through contact detection

Publication Date: 2010.12.14 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A machine tool capable of automatically correcting an orientation of a workpiece or machining attachment based on detection results from position detectors that the machine tool inherently has. The machine tool comprises: position detectors; position deviation determining means; contact detection means that detects a contact between a probe and a surface of the workpiece or the machining attachment based on a position deviation; movable axis stopping means; coordinate value detection means; inclination determining means; and correction means. The inclination determining means moves linear axes to perform detection of contacts between the probe and the surface of the workpiece or the machining attachment at least two different points, and determines an inclination of the workpiece or the machining attachment using the obtained coordinate values. The correction means corrects a mounting error of the workpiece or the machining attachment, or corrects the machining program based on the determined inclination.