Rotatable Interface Base for Light Barrier Measurement Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring systems for machine tools require complex and space-consuming setups with multiple pneumatic and electrical lines, posing risks of collision and damage, and are time-consuming to install and connect.
Innovation Solution
A multi-purpose interface base with mechanical, electrical/optical, and pneumatic connections that allows the measuring device to be easily mounted and rotated, reducing the need for multiple lines and simplifying installation by providing a single fluid supply for pneumatic functions, and featuring a sealing arrangement to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pneumatic and electrical lines are used to connect the measuring system, then the measuring system can provide sealing air, control laser light passage, clean the tool, and provide power supply and operating signals, but the installation becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pneumatic lines (for sealing air, cleaning, and laser beam control) and electrical lines (for power supply and signals) into a single integrated cable assembly. This cable assembly contains all necessary conduits and connectors bundled together, allowing one-component installation instead of multiple separate connections, thereby reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining full functional capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cable assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides pneumatic supply for sealing and cleaning, electrical power and control signals, and mechanical support for positioning the measuring system. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate pneumatic and electrical installations, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive functionality and installation simplicity
2Ease of operation
If the measuring system is positioned within the machine tool's workspace, then measurement can be performed, but the measuring system poses a risk of collision with moving tools and workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable mounting mechanism that allows the measuring system to be dynamically positioned between a parked position (outside the workspace, away from collision risks) and a measuring position (within the workspace, accessible for measurement). This dynamic repositioning capability enables the system to maintain reliability by avoiding collisions while preserving ease of operation when actually performing measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cable assembly acts as an intermediary that provides continuous supply of pneumatic and electrical resources regardless of the measuring system's position. This allows the measuring system to be moved to safe positions away from the workspace while maintaining full operational capability when positioned for measurement, thereby reducing collision risk without compromising measurement accessibility
3Reliability
If the measuring system is moved to a parked position outside the workspace, then collision risk is reduced, but installation and connection of multiple lines becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all pneumatic and electrical lines into a single integrated cable assembly, the patent simplifies the routing and management of lines regardless of the measuring system's position. The bundled design makes it easier to route, connect, and manage all lines together, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from managing multiple separate lines during movement and repositioning
4Adaptability or versatility
If several pneumatic lines and electrical lines are required to connect the measuring system, then all necessary functions can be provided, but the provision, routing, and installation represents considerable effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all pneumatic lines (for sealing air, cleaning, and laser control) and electrical lines (for power and signals) into one integrated cable assembly. This allows all functions to be provided through a single installation unit, dramatically reducing the time and effort required for provision, routing, and installation compared to handling multiple separate lines, while maintaining complete functional capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cable assembly is pre-assembled with all necessary pneumatic and electrical connections configured beforehand. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site routing and connection of individual lines, allowing for rapid installation while ensuring all functional requirements are met through the pre-configured multi-functional cable system
Data Source
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Figure 4a
Figure 4b~4e
AI summary
A multi-purpose interface base for use with a photoelectric sensor measuring system comprising a measuring instrument has the following features: (i) at least one mechanical stop corresponding to a counter-stop on the measuring instrument for receiving and repeatable placement of the measuring instrument on the multi-purpose interface base, wherein the mechanical stop is designed such that the measuring instrument can be connected to the multi-purpose interface base in two different orientations rotated by 180°;(ii) two second signal transfer points corresponding to first signal transfer points on the measuring instrument, each having a contact point with multiple electrical and/or fiber optic-supported contacts, wherein the two contact points are spaced apart from each other, and the multiple contacts of one contact point are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to a center between the two contact points to the multiple contacts of the other contact point; and (iii) at least one second fluid transfer point corresponding to a first fluid transfer point on the measuring instrument, which is arranged in the center between the two contact points on the multi-purpose interface base.