Movable Drive Device for Linear Tool Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive apparatuses for linear movement of processing tools are prone to breakdowns due to cable wear, excessive force application, and unreliable force measurement when contacting workpieces, particularly when encountering barriers.
Innovation Solution
A drive apparatus where the drive device is movable relative to the guide device, utilizing gravitational force for engagement and featuring a pivotable design with a gear wheel and force measurement unit to determine zero position without tactile sensors, and a floating bearing to absorb horizontal forces, ensuring controlled force transfer and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the drive device is firmly connected with the guide device, then the tool can be moved with full force toward the work piece, but the cable is subject to increased wear and the device is prone to breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The drive device is made dynamically movable relative to the guide device along the guide rail, allowing it to shift position based on operational conditions. This dynamic capability enables the drive device to disengage from the cable during tool movement, eliminating cable wear while maintaining full force application capability when engaged
Solution Approach 2:
A cable is introduced as an intermediary element between the drive device and tool holder, allowing the drive device to apply force to the tool without direct permanent connection. The cable transmits force when needed but can be disengaged to prevent wear and damage, serving as a flexible mediator that resolves the contradiction between force transmission and reliability
2Force
If the drive device is firmly connected with the guide device, then the tool can be moved with full force, but excessive force can damage the tool when it encounters barriers
Solution Approach 1:
The drive device's ability to move dynamically along the guide rail allows it to automatically disengage when the tool encounters a barrier. The movable connection enables the system to detect and respond to abnormal force conditions by allowing the drive device to shift position and disconnect, preventing excessive force application and tool damage
Solution Approach 2:
The movable connection between the drive device and guide device acts as a protective mechanism that prevents excessive force from being transmitted to the tool. By allowing the drive device to move and disengage beforehand, the system cushions against potential damage from barrier encounters before damage can occur
3Measurement precision
If a tactile sensor is affixed to the tool tip to detect contact, then the zero position can be detected, but the cable must be disconnected during tool repair or replacement and the sensor connection increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The tactile sensor is extracted from the tool tip and relocated to the drive device. This extraction eliminates the need for cable connections between the sensor and tool, simplifying the system. The sensor now detects the drive device's position and movement along the guide rail, which corresponds to the tool's position, maintaining measurement precision while reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of the drive device and tactile sensor are merged into a single integrated system. The drive device simultaneously performs its primary function of moving the tool and houses the tactile sensor that detects contact conditions. This merging eliminates separate sensor components and cable connections, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection capability
4Reliability
If the drive device is made movable relative to the guide device to prevent cable wear, then reliability improves, but the device complexity increases due to the pivot mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The drive device incorporates a pivot mechanism that allows it to rotate about an axis, enabling dynamic movement along the guide rail. This dynamic capability is essential for the device to disengage from the cable and avoid wear, directly improving reliability. The pivot mechanism, while adding some complexity, enables the critical dynamic behavior needed to resolve the reliability issue
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 reduces the risk of breakdowns by minimizing cable wear, preventing excessive force application, and accurately measuring forces to prevent tool damage, while allowing for precise control and emergency shut-off during processing.
Implementation Method 1
Gravitational force or its inherent weight, acting on it, leads to engagement of the force transfer means. When the tool sits on the work piece and therefore can no longer be moved any further with regard to the guide device, further force application on the carriage by means of the drive device results in a movement of the drive device relative to the guide device.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a drive apparatus (10) for the linear movement of a processing tool with respect to a workpiece, having a tool holder (18) which is fixed on a carriage (16) and is intended for the fastening of the processing tool, having a stationary guide device (12) in which the carriage (16) is guided such that it can be displaced in a vertically linear manner, and having a drive device (42) with a first force transmission means (46) which, in an engaged position, engages with a second force transmission means (40) connected to the carriage (16) in order to move the carriage (16). According to the invention, it is provided that the drive device (42) is mounted in the guide device (12) such that it can be moved between a release position, in which the force transmission means (40, 46) do not engage with one another, and the engaged position in such a way that the gravitational force of the drive device (42) causes a movement from the release position into the engaged position.