Milling Spindle Sensing Probe for Precise Workpiece Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milling machines lack precision and reproducibility in detecting the relative position between the workpiece and the tool, often resulting in imprecise machining due to factors like incorrect clamping or dirt interference.
Innovation Solution
A sensing probe with deflectable elements in multiple spatial directions is integrated into the milling spindle, allowing for precise detection of proximity and orientation between the workpiece and the tool, enabling accurate positioning without rotating the workpiece, and transmitting signals wirelessly for improved precision and reproducibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detection devices are used to detect the relative position between workpiece and tool, then the milling machine can operate, but the detection precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical detection devices with a capacitive sensor system that uses electrical fields to detect the relative position between workpiece and tool. The capacitive sensor measures changes in capacitance caused by proximity to the workpiece, providing non-contact measurement with higher precision than mechanical touch probes or optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from mechanical contact or optical reflection to electrical capacitance. By measuring capacitance changes between the sensor and workpiece, the system achieves more precise detection of relative position and orientation, directly addressing the insufficient measurement precision of conventional devices.
2Ease of operation
If the workpiece is not properly clamped or is contaminated with dirt, then the milling machine can still operate, but offset errors occur in detection
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor provides continuous feedback on the relative position and orientation of the workpiece. The evaluation device processes this information and can detect offsets caused by improper clamping or contamination. This feedback mechanism allows the system to identify and compensate for positioning errors, maintaining detection accuracy even when operation conditions vary.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the milling machine rotates the workpiece for detection, then more surfaces can be measured, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor is designed with multi-directional sensing capability, allowing it to detect position and orientation information in multiple spatial directions simultaneously. This universal detection capability enables the sensor to measure various surfaces and features without requiring workpiece rotation, simplifying the detection process while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage.
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 precise detection of the workpiece's position with a basic precision of 0.005 mm and reproducibility of 0.002 mm, effectively addressing imprecision and offset issues, ensuring accurate machining without the need for workpiece rotation.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is designed as a capacitive sensor which outputs a signal as a function of the capacitance between the sensor and the workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A milling machine (10), having a milling spindle (12) and a workpiece holder (24) which is mounted so as to move with respect to the milling spindle (12) in at least 3 or 4 spatial directions, having a workpiece which is held in a clamped manner on the workpiece holder (24), having a sensor, relative to which the workpiece can be brought into contact and relative to which workpiece the sensor can be moved to sense the workpiece, wherein the sensor is designed as a sensing probe (18), having a deflection and detection of a deflection of its sensing element (30) in at least 1 spatial direction, or in 2 or 3 spatial directions.