Machining Module Tool Holder Positioning References

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining module technologies face challenges in ensuring perfect repeatability of results due to difficulties in precise repositioning of tools with respect to the workpiece, leading to production downtime and inconsistencies across different modules.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a machining module with at least one tool holder equipped with a first positioning reference and a workpiece support with a second positioning reference, allowing for precise mutual alignment and compensation of positioning errors, using optical targets and a position checking device to ensure accurate alignment and direction of travel, enabling the transfer of tool holders and workpiece supports between modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If tools and workpiece supports are transferred between machining modules, then productivity is improved by enabling production series resumption, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to positioning variations between modules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction series resumptionVSAvoidtool positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces positioning references (targets) as intermediary elements that mediate between the tool holder, workpiece support, and machining module. These references serve as a common language for position checking devices to measure and compensate positioning variations, enabling accurate tool positioning even when transferred between different modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical positioning reliance with an optical measurement and compensation system. Position checking devices using optical targets measure positioning variations, and the system compensates through coordinate system transformations, substituting mechanical precision requirements with measurement and computational correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If setting-up is performed on the production machining module, then manufacturing precision is ensured by testing parameters on the actual production equipment, but productivity deteriorates due to production interruption and downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining qualityVSAvoidproduction downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables preliminary setting-up and parameter testing on separate machining modules before production. The position checking system and positioning references ensure that settings developed on one module can be accurately reproduced on the production module, allowing pre-setting activities to occur in advance without interrupting production schedules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the setting-up function from the production function by allowing settings to be developed and tested on dedicated setting-up modules, then transferred to production modules. This segmentation allows simultaneous setting-up activities and production operations, eliminating the need for production machines to be idle during setup phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If traditional tool positioning methods are used without positioning references, then device complexity is kept low, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to compensate positioning variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning system complexityVSAvoidtool to workpiece alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning references and position checking system serve multiple functions: they enable initial positioning, facilitate transfer between modules, support measurement and compensation, and work with both optical and other measurement systems. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive positioning solutions across different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10710206B2Machining module, accessory assembly for a machining module and method for starting up a machining module

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 WATCHOUTCORP SA

AI summary

System for machining workpieces including a setting-up module and a machining module for the production of components. The setting-up module includes at least one first tool holder fixing device for fixing at least one tool holder removably, and at least one first workpiece support fixing device for fixing a workpiece support removably. The machining module includes at least one second tool holder fixing device for fixing at least one tool holder removably and at least one second workpiece support fixing device for fixing a workpiece support removably, such that the tool holder and the workpiece support can both be transferred from the setting-up module to the machining module after setting up.