Manual Tool Positioning via Intermediary Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manually movable tools, such as screwing tools, often fail to reach predetermined working positions accurately, leading to potential damage due to imprecise positioning and requiring complex and costly masking systems for precise alignment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving guide means to move a tool from an initial to an intermediate position, where a path measuring system determines the tool's position, and a non-manual actuator adjusts it precisely to the intermediate position, allowing for accurate manual movement to the working position without damaging components and reducing the need for complex masking systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a manually movable tool is guided only by guide means without automated positioning, then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is high, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of reaching the working position deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A non-manual actuating means is introduced as an intermediary device that activates automatically when the tool approaches the predetermined distance to the intermediate position. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between manual guidance and precise automated positioning, ensuring accurate arrival at the working position without requiring the operator to manually achieve precise positioning
Solution Approach 2:
A path measuring system continuously monitors the tool's position and provides feedback to determine when the predetermined distance to the intermediate position has been reached. This feedback mechanism triggers the non-manual actuating means automatically, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures precise positioning without increasing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If a mask is positioned over the component to prevent damage from incorrect positioning, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome handling and recreation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The non-manual actuating means performs the protective function in advance by automatically positioning the tool precisely at the intermediate position before the operator manually advances it to the working position. This preliminary automated positioning prevents incorrect tool placement and potential damage without requiring a mask, thereby maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation
3Manufacturing precision
If automatic tool machines are used to approach working positions exclusively automatically, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity and investment costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning process is segmented into two distinct phases: first, manual guidance of the tool to the general area (intermediate position) where the operator has control and can handle variability; second, automated precise positioning from the intermediate position to the exact working position using the non-manual actuating means. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high precision without requiring full automation of the entire positioning process, thereby reducing device complexity and investment costs
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention proposes a method for approaching at least one predetermined working position of a manually movable tool (2). The tool (2) is moved in a plane (X, Y) from a starting position, guided by means of guides (3, 4), to an intermediate position (28, 28) which is aligned with the working position, and from the intermediate position (28, 28) is moved into the working position by means of further guides (5), wherein the position of the tool (2) is measured during the movement from the starting position to the intermediate position (28, 28) and, upon detection of a predetermined distance (27) of the tool (2) in axial directions (X, Y) of the plane to the intermediate position (28), non-manual actuating means (10, 20) are activated, and the actuating means (10, 20) move the tool (2) to the intermediate position (28).This work process can be carried out with a tool that is basically manually movable, whereby an exact approach to at least one intended working position of the tool is guaranteed.