Magnetic Positioning Device for Laser Machining Head Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical indexing methods for positioning a machining tool on a carrier element are too imprecise, leading to insufficient machining quality due to high frictional forces between the tool and the carrier, making precise and reproducible positioning challenging.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device utilizing a magnet arrangement with an electromagnet and a control device to generate an oscillating magnetic holding force, creating a vibration movement that allows for fine positioning of the tool relative to the carrier, overcoming frictional forces and achieving precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical indexing is used to position the machining tool on the carrier element, then the tool can be held securely, but the positioning precision is insufficient due to high frictional forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical indexing system with a magnetic field-based positioning system. Electromagnets generate magnetic holding forces that eliminate frictional contact between the tool and carrier element, enabling precise positioning without the limitations of mechanical friction. The control device modulates the magnetic field strength to achieve both secure holding and high-precision positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the holding mechanism from mechanical contact to magnetic field interaction. By controlling the electrical current to electromagnets, the magnetic holding force can be precisely adjusted, allowing the tool to be held securely while maintaining the ability to achieve sub-millimeter positioning accuracy without frictional interference.
2Force
If high holding forces are applied to secure the tool, then the tool remains firmly attached, but frictional forces increase making position correction difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical friction-based holding with magnetic field-based holding. The electromagnets generate holding forces through magnetic attraction without physical contact, eliminating friction. This allows the tool to be securely held while enabling easy position correction by simply adjusting the magnetic field strength through electrical control, without the need to overcome frictional forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the holding force dynamic and controllable through electrical signals. The control device can adjust the magnetic field strength in real-time, allowing the holding force to be optimized for both secure attachment and easy position correction. This dynamic control enables the system to transition between strong holding and easy repositioning as needed.
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 fast, precise, and reproducible positioning of the machining tool, reducing the risk of misalignment and improving machining quality by overcoming frictional forces and ensuring accurate contact between the tool and the carrier.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet arrangement which is used to generate a magnetic holding force between the contact surfaces for holding the processing tool on the carrier element
Implementation Method 2
a control device, which is designed or programmed to generate an oscillation of the magnetic holding force of the magnet arrangement in order to move the contact surfaces relative to one another in a common contact plane by generating a vibration movement
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a positioning device (1) for positioning a planar contact face (6) of a machining tool, in particular a laser machining head (2), in a correct position in relation to a planar contact face (7) of a support element (3), comprising: a magnet arrangement (8, 12) which is configured to generate a magnetic holding force between the contact faces (6, 7), and also a control device (13) which is configured to generate an oscillation of the magnetic holding force of the magnet arrangement (8, 12), in order, by generating a vibration movement, to move the contact faces (6, 7) in relation to one another in a common contact plane, until a holding position with a predefined relative position of the contact faces (6, 7) with respect to one another has been reached. The invention also relates to a method in which such a vibration movement is carried out by means of an oscillation of the magnetic holding force, until a holding position with a predefined relative position of the contact faces (6, 7) with respect to one another has been reached.