Micro-adjustment Device for Machining Tool Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining devices for workpieces, particularly those made of wood or plastic, suffer from low adjustment accuracy and high system costs due to their high mass and expensive components, leading to potential damage during fine machining.

Innovation Solution

A micro-adjustment device with a fluid-actuated or piezo/plunger coil actuator system that provides high adjustment accuracy with low mass and cost, using a fluid container with an elastically deformable boundary surface and pressure control to achieve precise relative displacement between the machining tool and feeler device, minimizing vibration transmission and allowing for simple, lightweight, and cost-effective design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If heavy components such as motors, gears or spindles are used for adjustment, then the adjustment device can provide sufficient force and stability, but the mass increases leading to high inertia and reduced adjustment accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment accuracyVSAvoidadjustment device mass
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment systems (motors, gears, spindles) with a fluid-actuated system using hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to achieve positioning. This substitution eliminates heavy mechanical components while maintaining adjustment capability, directly resolving the contradiction between adjustment accuracy and device mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs fluid pressure (hydraulic or pneumatic) to actuate the adjustment mechanism. By using fluid force instead of mechanical drive components, the system achieves precise adjustment with minimal mass, as the fluid pressure directly translates to positioning force without requiring heavy transmission components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If traditional adjustment devices with motors and gears are used, then reliable adjustment is achieved, but system costs increase due to expensive components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment reliabilityVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing expensive mechanical components (motors, gearboxes, spindles) with a fluid-actuated system, the patent significantly reduces component costs while maintaining reliable adjustment functionality. The fluid system requires simpler, less expensive components that can achieve the same positioning reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs simpler, less expensive adjustment components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The fluid-actuated system uses basic elements like cylinders, pistons, or diaphragms that are far cheaper than precision mechanical drive systems, making the overall system more cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Force

If high mass adjustment devices are used, then sufficient force is available, but starting torque requirements increase and fine adjustment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment forceVSAvoidfine adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid-actuated system generates adjustment force directly through fluid pressure acting on a piston or diaphragm surface. This provides sufficient force for positioning without the inertia problems of heavy mechanical systems, enabling both strong force delivery and fine adjustment capability through precise pressure control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention controls adjustment force by varying fluid pressure parameters rather than relying on mechanical gear ratios or motor torque. This allows continuous, precise control of the adjustment force from very fine levels to full positioning force, resolving the contradiction between available force and fine adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution achieves adjustment accuracy in the 1/100 mm range, minimizing the risk of workpiece damage and reducing production costs by enabling precise infeed positioning and dynamic machining with short production times.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure-changing device for changing a fluid pressure in the fluid container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

at least one elastically deformable boundary surface, which is designed in particular as a membrane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a piezo actuator for bringing about a relative adjustment between the machining tool and the feeler device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 4

a plunger coil actuator for bringing about a relative adjustment between the machining tool and the feeler device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 5

this embodiment also enables damping of potential vibrations within the adjustment system via its operating medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2799183B1Processing device with a feeler and an adjustment device
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 HOMAG GMBH
  • EP2799183B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2799183B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a machining device for a workpiece, wherein the workpiece preferably consists at least partially of wood, wood-based materials, plastic, or the like, comprising a machining tool (2) for machining a workpiece, a sensing device (3) by means of which a predetermined positioning of the machining tool (2) relative to a workpiece section being machined can be achieved, and a conveying device for effecting a relative movement between the machining tool (2) and the workpiece. The device is characterized in that it has a micro-adjustment device (4) by means of which a relative adjustment between the machining tool (2) and the sensing device (3) can be achieved.