Portable Machine Tool with Localization Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools face limitations in creating non-rectilinear shapes, pose safety risks, require multiple machines for different tasks, and have high costs and complexity, with CNC machines being expensive and energy-intensive, and lacking flexibility in handling large objects due to size constraints and complex programming.

Innovation Solution

A portable machine tool system with a localization apparatus and detection system that allows precise movement and positioning on any size surface, using omni-wheels and a control unit for real-time path adjustment, enabling safe and accurate machining without the need for extensive operator knowledge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If CNC machines are used to automate machining, then manufacturing precision and productivity are improved, but device complexity and purchase cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining precisionVSAvoidmachine complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the machining function into separate components: a portable machine tool unit and a separate control unit. This segmentation allows the complex control functions to be isolated in the control unit while keeping the machine tool itself simple and portable, resolving the contradiction between automation capability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the operator and the machine tool. It processes the programming language and control commands, translating them into precise machining actions, thereby providing automated precision control without requiring the machine tool itself to be complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If CNC machines with protective casings are used, then operator safety is improved, but the size of objects that can be machined is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidmachining chamber size

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The machine tool is designed to be portable and movable rather than fixed in a large protective casing. The safety guard moves with the machine tool, allowing the machining area to be dynamically adjusted to fit any object size while maintaining operator safety through the movable protective barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If traditional machine tools are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to create non-rectilinear shapes requires high operator skill

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine simplicityVSAvoidoperator skill requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control unit that processes programming language. This substitution allows a simple machine tool to perform complex non-rectilinear machining operations automatically, reducing both device complexity and operator skill requirements while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple machines are used for different machining tasks, then manufacturing versatility is improved, but loss of time due to moving objects between machines increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining versatilityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The machine tool is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple machining tasks (drilling, milling, shaping, etc.) through a single portable unit. The control unit supports various programming languages and control methods, enabling one machine to replace multiple specialized machines, thereby eliminating transfer time while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

5Productivity

If CNC machines are used, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining productivityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The portable machine tool uses a high-speed spindle that operates at full power only during the actual machining moments rather than continuous operation. The battery-powered design provides sufficient energy for intermittent high-productivity machining while consuming less total energy compared to traditional continuously-running CNC machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3403761B1Tool system and method of operation of said tool system

Publication Date: 2022.05.25 SPRINGA SRL

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AI summary

A tool system (1) is provided for comprising a machine tool (1a) suitable for machining by the removal of material an object (10) defining a machining surface (10a), wherein the machine tool comprises a tool (2), driving means (3) suitable to be placed directly in contact with the machining surface (10a) while the tool (2) works on the object (10), a control unit (5) suitable to control the driving means (3), and wherein the system (1) further comprises at least one localization apparatus (1 b) comprising a support portion (9) and a localization portion (8), wherein the support portion (9) is suitable to be placed at a fixed point of said machining surface (10a) and the localization portion (8) is connected to the machine tool (1 a) by means of a cable (7, 7a) suitable to allow the localization of the machine tool (1a) on the machining surface (10a).