Machine Tool Imaging Chamber with Shutter Purge Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools face contamination issues with swarf and coolant adhering to tools, which can contaminate cameras used for imaging and tool state checks, leading to ineffective tool recognition and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a tool recognition area with a shutter to isolate the imaging area from machining and coolant, using high-speed tool rotation and air injection to remove contaminants, and a camera with illumination for clear imaging, along with a purge mechanism to maintain camera cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera is used to image tools in the machining area, then tool state monitoring is enabled, but the camera becomes contaminated by swarf and coolant
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging area is segmented from the machining area using a shutter mechanism. The shutter divides the space into a machining chamber where tools are processed and an imaging chamber where the camera operates, allowing both functions to coexist without mutual contamination while maintaining the tool state monitoring capability.
2Ease of operation
If the imaging area is opened to allow tool insertion, then tool imaging is possible, but contaminants can adhere to the imaging portion
Solution Approach 1:
A purge mechanism is activated before the shutter opens to preemptively remove contaminants from the imaging area. Compressed air or inert gas flows through the imaging chamber to blow away swarf and coolant particles, creating a clean environment before tool insertion occurs, thus preventing contaminant adhesion while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
A purge fluid (compressed air or inert gas) is introduced as an intermediary substance to protect the imaging portion from contaminants. The purge fluid acts as a mediator between the contaminated machining environment and the clean imaging environment, removing harmful particles before they can adhere to the camera or imaging components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the shutter remains closed to protect the camera, then contamination is prevented, but tool insertion and imaging cannot occur
Solution Approach 1:
The purge mechanism is activated in advance before the shutter opens, creating a contaminant-free environment in the imaging chamber. This preliminary cleaning action allows the shutter to open safely for tool insertion and imaging without risking camera contamination, thus maintaining both protection and operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter operates periodically, opening only when needed for tool insertion or imaging after the purge mechanism has cleaned the imaging area. This periodic opening/closing cycle allows the system to maintain protection most of the time while enabling operations when necessary, balancing camera protection with operational requirements.
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
Prevents contamination of the imaging system, allowing for accurate tool state monitoring and maintenance, ensuring reliable tool recognition and extended camera lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a purge mechanism that blows air
Implementation Method 2
an illumination device that illuminates the tool
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool includes an imaging portion for imaging a tool in an imaging area, a tool holding unit capable of holding the tool in the imaging area, a shutter provided between a machining area and the imaging area, and being movable between an open state and a closed state, a cover for covering a light-receiving surface of the imaging portion, and a purge mechanism for performing purge by causing fluid to flow between a light-receiving surface of the imaging portion and the cover. (i) After the purge by the purge mechanism is performed, the machine tool (ii) moves the shutter, and (iii) moves the cover after start of moving of the shutter.