Collision Detection Method for Milling Machine Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing woodworking and milling machines face challenges in reliably detecting collisions between the processing tool and other machine elements due to high kinetic energies and forces, leading to potential tool breakage and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves moving the machining tool or machine element slowly and with minimal force or torque during a collision check, allowing for reliable detection of blockages without causing damage, using a frequency-controlled drive or additional low-force drive with an actuatable clutch, and monitoring movements to issue warnings or stop the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If collision detection is performed using force, torque or current peaks in the axis drives, then collision detection capability is provided, but reliable detection is limited due to high moving masses and momentum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a preliminary collision check by moving the machining tool or machine element slowly before the actual machining operation. This preliminary action allows detection of potential collisions without the high kinetic energy present during normal machining, enabling reliable detection using simple force/torque monitoring without complex additional sensors or systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters during collision detection by reducing the speed and force/torque applied during the check compared to normal machining. This parameter change allows the same drive system to perform both machining and collision detection functions, with the detection phase using lower force thresholds to reliably identify blockages.
2Productivity
If the machining tool is moved quickly during machining, then productivity is improved, but the risk of collision damage and tool breakage increases due to high kinetic energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a preliminary collision check at low speed before high-speed machining operations. This preliminary action identifies potential collisions that would occur during fast machining, allowing the system to prevent dangerous high-speed collisions while maintaining high productivity during safe machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a quick collision check phase followed by high-speed machining. The collision detection phase moves quickly through the necessary safety check, then the system transitions to high-speed machining, effectively skipping the slow operation phase while maintaining safety through the preliminary check.
3Measurement precision
If high force peaks occur during collision detection, then collision detection sensitivity is improved, but tool breakage and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the force and torque parameters used during collision detection to be sufficiently high to detect blockages but low enough to prevent tool breakage. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system achieves adequate detection sensitivity while maintaining tool integrity and user safety.
Data Source
AI summary
The method involves moving a movable machine part e.g. working tool (4) slowly in particular very slowly or with less force or torque before processing steps, where the machine part is movable for positioning purposes and/or processing purposes. The movement of the machine part is monitored in a synchronized manner, and a collision is detected in a blockade. The movement is stopped shortly as soon as the collision is detected. The working movement is monitored by a speed control or a position change control. An independent claim is also included for a working machine or a table mill for implementing the method for detecting collision in a working machine.