Movable Tool Measurement Unit for Clearer Machine Tool Tables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing on-machine tool-measurement devices occupy valuable space on the machine tool table, restrict the size of workpieces that can be machined, and are prone to contamination from machined chips and coolant liquids. Additionally, in some machine tools with infinitely rotatable tables, the measurement units cannot be conveniently placed due to wiring and other considerations.

Innovation Solution

An on-machine tool-measurement device with a movable support base and measuring units that can be positioned within or outside the measurement area for the tool. This device includes a moving mechanism that allows the support base to rotate or translate, enabling the measuring units to be moved in and out of the measurement area as needed, thus optimizing space usage on the machine tool table.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the measuring unit is placed on the table within the movable area of the spindle, then the tool can be measured automatically, but the occupied space on the table increases and restricts the size of workpieces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic tool measurementVSAvoidoccupied space on table

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring unit is mounted on a movable support base that can be positioned within or outside the measurement area. The support base moves along the Y-axis and can be rotated, allowing the measuring unit to dynamically adjust its position. This enables automatic tool measurement when needed while clearing the table space when not in use, resolving the contradiction between automation and space occupation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple measuring units are placed on the table to measure different items, then more tool conditions can be measured, but the occupied space on the table increases further

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidoccupied space on table

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple measuring units are mounted on a single movable support base that can be positioned and rotated. This allows different measuring units to be brought into the measurement area sequentially rather than having all units occupy table space simultaneously. The support base moves along the Y-axis and can rotate to position different measuring units over the measurement area, providing versatile measurement capability without increasing permanent table occupation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple measuring units are combined on a single support base structure. This consolidation allows the measuring units to share the same movable platform, reducing the total occupied space compared to having separate fixed installations for each measuring unit. The support base integrates multiple measurement functions in one movable location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the measuring unit is provided on the table, then tool measurement is convenient, but the measuring unit is exposed to machined chips and coolant liquid and gets dirty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement convenienceVSAvoidcontamination from chips and coolant

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring unit is mounted on a support base that can be positioned outside the measurement area when not in use. This dynamic positioning allows the measuring unit to be removed from the contaminated zone during machining operations, protecting it from chips and coolant while maintaining easy access when measurement is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the table is infinitely rotatable, then the machine tool has greater flexibility, but the measuring unit cannot be placed on the table due to wiring and other considerations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetable rotation flexibilityVSAvoidmeasuring unit placement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring unit is mounted on a movable support base that can be positioned independently of the table rotation. The support base moves along the Y-axis and can be rotated to appropriate positions, allowing the measuring unit to remain stationary relative to the machine structure while the table rotates underneath. This resolves the wiring issue by keeping the measuring unit outside the rotating table area while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250153299A1On-machine tool measurement device

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 SHIBAURA MASCH CO LTD

AI summary

An on-machine tool-measurement device is installed on a machine tool configured to machine a workpiece placed on a table using a tool attached to a spindle and is configured to measure conditions of the tool within a measurement area for the tool. The on-machine tool-measurement device includes a measuring unit for measuring the conditions of the tool, a support base that supports the measuring unit, and a moving mechanism for moving the support base to locate the measuring unit within or outside the measurement area for the tool.