Machine Tool Origin Finder with Mechanical Tabs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for finding a machine tool origin are time-consuming and less accurate, requiring multiple edge finder measurements and manual estimation of wobble, and do not account for right-handed and left-handed origins.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a probe, base, and sensor with mechanical positioning components and electronic circuitry that allows for direct determination of the machine tool origin, including a pedestal with tabs for left-hand and right-hand origins, and optical or capacitive sensors for precise signal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple edge finder measurements are used to determine origin, then measurement coverage is improved, but time consumption increases and measurement precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorigin determination accuracyVSAvoidtime for origin determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple edge finder measurements into a single integrated device that determines both X and Y axis origins simultaneously. The origin finder includes perpendicular arms with edge finder elements that can contact the workpiece at multiple points in one positioning action, eliminating the need for separate measurements and extrapolation calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs preliminary positioning by mechanically constraining the probe to move along predetermined paths that directly lead to the origin point. The arms are positioned at fixed angles and lengths that pre-calculate the geometry needed to reach the origin, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual extrapolation after measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If visual inspection of cylinder wobble is used for edge detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to guesswork

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveedge detection accuracyVSAvoidedge finder structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the visual wobble detection method with a mechanical indication system. The origin finder includes mechanical indicators such as flags, pointers, or digital displays that directly show when the origin has been reached, eliminating the need for visual estimation of cylinder wobble and reducing guesswork in edge detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If origin determination does not distinguish between left-handed and right-handed origins, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different origin configurationsVSAvoidorigin identification process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The origin finder is designed with adjustable or interchangeable components that can adapt to different origin configurations. The device can be configured for left-handed or right-handed coordinate systems by adjusting the arm positions or swapping components, allowing it to work with various machine tool setups without reducing operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables faster, more accurate determination of the machine tool origin, reducing guesswork and improving machining precision by allowing direct identification of both left-hand and right-hand origins with enhanced signal processing and mechanical alignment.

Implementation Method 1

optical or capacitive sensors for precise signal processing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical sensing: Light

Implementation Method 2

optical or capacitive sensors for precise signal processing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9235206B2Apparatus for finding a machine tool origin

Publication Date: 2016.01.12 BENEFICIAL PHOTONICS

AI summary

An apparatus for finding a machine tool origin includes a probe, a base, and a sensor positioned on a first side of the base. Probe engagement components are configured for movable engagement with a probe of the machine tool to produce electronic signals processed by electronic circuitry to provide a signal indicative of the machine tool origin. Mechanical positioning components are positioned on a second side of the base. The mechanical positioning components include a pedestal with a first tab (301) and a second tab (302) aligned to be operable as a mechanical stop with the first tab (301) corresponding to a position of a left-hand origin (107) for the machine tool and the first tab (301) and a third tab (303) aligned to be operable as a mechanical stop with the first tab (301) corresponding to a position of a right-hand origin (108) for the machine tool.