Machining Device with Adjustable Scanning Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for processing curved workpieces, such as those made of wood or plastic, require an additional C-axis for maintaining the scanning unit's orientation, which is costly and increases machine complexity, and often results in inaccurate machining due to the need for constant alignment.
Innovation Solution
A device with a processing unit and a scanning unit linked via a drive unit and feeler rollers, where the scanning force is adjustable to maintain contact with the workpiece surface, allowing for precise contour tracking without the need for an additional C-axis, using an actuating unit with intersecting movement axes to ensure accurate alignment and force control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an additional C-axis is provided to maintain scanning unit orientation, then scanning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the additional C-axis from the system while maintaining scanning accuracy through an alternative approach. The scanning unit is directly coupled to the processing unit, and both are guided together by the existing drive unit along the workpiece contour, eliminating the need for the separate orientation-maintaining C-axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning unit and processing unit are merged into a coupled assembly that moves together as a single unit. This integration allows both units to be guided simultaneously by the same drive unit, eliminating the need for separate axis control and reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If scanning force is increased to maintain contact with workpiece surface, then scanning accuracy is improved, but damage to workpiece surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning force is made dynamically adjustable through the actuating unit, which can adapt the force in real-time based on workpiece material properties and surface conditions. This allows optimal scanning force to be applied - sufficient for accurate contour following but not excessive to cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning force parameter is made variable and controllable through the actuating unit, allowing it to be optimized for different workpiece materials and conditions. The force can be increased for harder materials or decreased for softer materials to prevent surface damage while maintaining scanning accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (1) has a machining unit (10) with a machining tool and/or a machining assembly (12) for machining a workpiece (5). A drive unit causes relative movement between the machining unit and the workpiece. A button unit (20) includes a button element (22) for touching a workpiece surface to position the machining unit with respect to the workpiece. An adjusting unit is arranged between the drive unit and the machining unit. The adjusting unit limits touch force of the button unit to a highest value in a direction and/or maintains the touch surface to be above a preset least value. An independent claim is also included for a method for machining a workpiece.