Modular Sensor Clamping Assembly for Fast Toolholder Sensor Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for machine tools are cumbersome to maintain due to time-consuming sensor replacement processes.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a receiving space for a sensor module that includes a tubular sensor housing, a closure cover, and a data transmission device for wireless data transmission, allowing for quick and easy replacement of the sensor module as a structural unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are integrated into the clamping device base body, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but sensor replacement time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into a modular sensor module that can be independently removed from the base body. The sensor module comprises a sensor element, evaluation unit, and memory unit as separate but integrated components that can be replaced as a single unit, eliminating the need to disassemble and replace individual sensors separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module is designed as a universal replaceable unit that can be used across different clamping device configurations. The standardized interface and housing allow the same sensor module design to be applied in various machine tool applications, simplifying inventory and replacement procedures.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed in the base body, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor elements, evaluation units, and memory units are merged into a single integrated sensor module. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and connections required in the base body, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining the capability to measure multiple operating parameters simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor elements, evaluation unit, and memory unit are nested within a single sensor housing, creating a compact hierarchical structure. This nesting approach allows multiple functional components to be contained within a unified module that occupies minimal space in the base body.
3Reliability
If sensors are permanently integrated into the base body, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of repair and adaptability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module transitions from a fixed permanent integration to a dynamic replaceable configuration. The modular design with standardized interfaces allows the sensor module to be easily removed and replaced, enabling quick repairs and upgrades while maintaining reliable measurements during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module is designed to be discarded as a single replaceable unit when faulty or obsolete, and recovered for replacement with a new or refurbished module. This approach simplifies repair operations by eliminating the need to diagnose and replace individual sensor components separately.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electrical cables and power supply devices are integrated into the base body, then device functionality is improved, but ease of operation and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical cables, power supply connections, and signal transmission interfaces are extracted and integrated into the sensor module itself. This extraction eliminates the need for separate wiring operations when replacing sensors, as the module contains all necessary electrical connections pre-integrated.
Solution Approach 2:
All electrical connections, power supply interfaces, and signal transmission components are pre-integrated and tested within the sensor module during manufacturing. This preliminary integration ensures that when the module is installed in the base body, all electrical functionalities are already configured and operational, eliminating time-consuming on-site wiring operations.
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 rapid sensor module replacement without disassembling individual sensors, minimizing interference susceptibility and ensuring efficient data transmission to machine control systems for real-time machining parameter adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a data transmission device connected to the sensor element for wireless transmission of measurement data detected by the sensor element to a receiver located outside the clamping device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping device (I) for clamping a component, more particularly for fastening a tool to a machine tool, comprising: —a main body (2), which defines a clamping axis (X) and in the front end region of which a clamping region (3) for a component to be clamped, more particularly for a tool shaft, is located; —a sensor module (IO), which is in the form of a construction unit; wherein the sensor module (IO) is inserted into the receiving space (9) and is retained therein.