Mobile Machine Tool Locating With Cable Triangulation Guidance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool locating systems face challenges such as manual operation for complex shapes, high safety risks, limited workpiece size, high construction and maintenance costs, and precision issues due to cable-based measurement systems, which affect machining efficiency and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A locating system for machine tools that includes a detection apparatus connected to a control unit, using omni-wheels and a cable system with encoders to determine the machine tool's position relative to the workpiece surface, allowing for precise and autonomous positioning without the need for manual intervention or large machinery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If numerical control machines are used to automate machining processes, then productivity and safety are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the machining task into two independent parts: a simple mobile machine tool that performs cutting operations and a separate locating apparatus that provides positioning guidance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automated machining capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The locating apparatus acts as an intermediary between the workpiece and the mobile machine tool. It provides positioning reference without being integrated into the machine tool structure, enabling automated operation while keeping the machine tool itself simple and cost-effective.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If numerical control machines with fixed machining chambers are used, then safety is improved, but the size of workpieces that can be processed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The machine tool is designed as a mobile unit that can move freely around the workpiece rather than being confined to a fixed chamber. This dynamic configuration allows processing of workpieces of any size while maintaining safety through the locating apparatus guidance system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed three-dimensional chamber constraint to a two-dimensional surface guidance model. The locating apparatus provides positioning reference on the workpiece surface, allowing the machine tool to operate outside traditional chamber constraints and process larger workpieces.
3Device complexity
If cable-based measurement systems are used for positioning, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to cable winding errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the cable-based mechanical measurement system with an optical detection apparatus. This substitution eliminates cable winding errors while maintaining relatively simple device structure, achieving both measurement precision and system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection apparatus serves as an intermediary that translates the mobile machine tool's position into measurable data without requiring direct mechanical connection via cables. This allows precise positioning measurement while keeping the machine tool structure simple.
4Device complexity
If manual operation is used for complex shape machining, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and manufacturing precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile machine tool equipped with the locating apparatus and detection system can autonomously determine its position and execute machining paths for complex shapes without manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains system simplicity while dramatically improving productivity and precision compared to manual operation.
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 precise and efficient machining on any surface geometry with real-time guidance, reduces operator skill requirements, and lowers production costs by providing accurate and reproducible positioning, thus enhancing machining efficiency and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
detection means (7) connected to said machine tool (1a) and suitable to rotate around a first axis (6a); detection apparatus (6) arranged on said machine tool and designed to detect the rotation of said detection means around said first axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided herein is a locating system (1) for machine tools comprising a machine tool (1a) suitable for working on a machining surface (10a) of an object (10) by removing material and including a tool (2), movement means (3) suitable to be placed in direct contact with the machining surface (10a) and for moving the machine tool (1a) and, therefore, the tool (2) with respect to the object (10) while the tool (2) works on the object (10), at least two locating apparatuses (1b) each including a supporting portion (9) suitable to be placed at a fixed point on the machining surface (10a), detection means (7) comprising a first cable (70) or a second cable (71) designed to connect the locating apparatus (1b) to the machine tool (1a), and a locating portion (8) configured to release or receive the cable (70, 71) in such a way as to measure the distance (L1, L2) detected between the machine tool (1a) and the locating apparatus (1b), wherein the detection means (7) are configured to also allow mutual connection of the locating apparatuses (1b) in such a way as to allow the direct measurement of the distance (L3) between the locating apparatuses (1b), and wherein the distance (L3) is further obtainable indirectly from the distances (L1, L2) detected by the detection means (7) between the machine tool (1a) and the locating apparatuses (1b).