Robust Feeler for Machine-Tool Origin Resetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machining machines in unconditioned environments face significant temperature variations, causing stress and dimensional variations in parts, making precise repositioning of tools challenging due to thermal drift, especially along the X, Y, and Z axes, which is difficult and costly with existing fragile and sensitive probing methods.
Innovation Solution
A machining machine with a robust feeler that replaces the machining tool along the Z axis and cooperates with a stop having inclined faces to provide absolute positioning dimensions, allowing direct measurement and correction of thermal drifts, using a spherical end for point contact and a body of revolution or truncated pyramid design for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fragile probe is used to measure offset and reset machine origins, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the device complexity and maintenance cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fragile, expensive probe with a simple, robust feeler that can be easily replaced if needed. The feeler is a basic mechanical element without sensitive components, making it inexpensive and durable compared to traditional probes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the machining tool itself, allowing the feeler to replace the tool solely for measurement purposes. This separation enables the use of a simple feeler instead of a complex probe system.
2Manufacturing precision
If a probe is used to follow the contour and measure offset, then positioning accuracy can be maintained, but the feeler becomes sensitive to coolant and shavings which deteriorate it rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The feeler is designed as a simple, replaceable element that is not sensitive to coolant and shavings. Even if deteriorated, it can be easily replaced without affecting the machine's core functionality or requiring complex maintenance procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If periodic readjustment of machine origins is performed to account for thermal variations, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the operation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The feeler with its specific geometry (spherical end, inclined faces at 30°) and the stop configuration enable automatic determination of machine origins. The system self-calibrates by bringing the feeler into contact with the stop, eliminating the need for complex manual readjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop is pre-configured with specific geometric features (inclined faces at 30° to the perpendicular face) that enable the feeler to automatically determine positioning dimensions. This preliminary setup allows rapid resetting without time-consuming measurements during operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If a feeler replaces the machining tool for movement along the Z axis, then the robustness and ease of maintenance improve, but the ability to perform both machining and measurement functions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the machining function and measurement function into distinct operational modes. The feeler replaces the tool only during measurement/resetting operations, while the actual machining is performed by the dedicated machining tool. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention concerns a device for resetting the absolute origins of a machine-tool (1), in particular digitally controlled, equipped with a tool-holder (4) mobile along respectively perpendicular directions X, Y and Z in the space opposite the part to be machined (13)mounted on a part-holder (12) fixed relative to the mobile tool (6). The invention is characterized in that it comprises a sensor (7) capable of replacing the machine-tool to move along the axis Z of the tool-holder (4), said sensor being capable of being urged into contact with limited effort against a stop (15) fixed on the part-holder (12) and comprising a planar surface extending perpendicularly to the direction of the axis Z and two other surfaces whose plane are inclined on said axis, the normals to those inclined planes delimiting respectively with the direction of the axis Z two mutually perpendicular planar surfaces to embody the directions of the axes X and Y.