Rotating Barrel Centering Aid for Machining Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current centering methods for tools on machining machines, such as CNC lathes and bar-turning machines, lack precision and are time-consuming, often resulting in mechanical stress and premature tool breakage, especially for high-precision parts with small dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a distance measuring probe mounted on a rotating barrel device, which performs multiple angular measurements to correct centering deviations, allowing for precise tool centering with automated means and minimal operator skill requirement, achieving sub-millimeter precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional centering methods (point-to-point, stamp tip, comparator) are used, then centering can be performed with available tools, but precision is limited to hundredth of a millimeter and time consumption is high (up to two hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems (comparators, stamp tips, magnifying glasses) with an optical measurement system using a camera and image processing. The camera captures images of the tool and reference features, and computer algorithms calculate centering precision to the micrometer level, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and manual visual estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the physical tool and measurement setup. By capturing the tool position through camera imaging and processing the image data computationally, the system determines centering accuracy without physical measurement contact, achieving higher precision and faster results than traditional mechanical methods.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional centering methods are used, then equipment complexity remains low, but manufacturing precision cannot meet high-precision part requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera system universal by designing it to work with various tool types and machining configurations. The same camera and image processing system can measure different tools (drills, end mills, inserts) and provide centering data for multiple axes, eliminating the need for specialized mechanical measurement devices for each tool type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system (camera and image processing software) between the physical tool and the measurement process. This intermediary captures visual information and translates it into precise centering data, bridging the gap between simple optical equipment and high-precision measurement requirements.
3Reliability
If precise centering is achieved through traditional methods, then tool service life increases, but the process requires extensive operator experience and skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service centering by automating the measurement and calculation process. The camera system automatically captures images, and the computer algorithm automatically calculates centering deviations and provides correction guidance, eliminating the need for operator experience in visual estimation and manual adjustment techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback system where the camera continuously monitors tool position, the computer calculates deviations from the ideal center, and the system provides real-time feedback for correction. This closed-loop feedback eliminates the need for operator judgment and experience, as the system automatically guides the centering process to achieve precise alignment.
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
Significantly reduces centering time from hours to minutes, enhances precision to 1/1000 of a millimeter, and eliminates mechanical stress on tools, enabling longer service life without disassembly or additional skills required.
Implementation Method 1
performing at least a first measurement of the distance separating the measurement probe from the tool
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to an aid for centering a tool on machining equipment (2), comprising a rotating gun device (3), characterized in that it includes an adaptor ring (4) to be rotatably attached and secured to the nose (3a) of the rotating gun device (3), a distance-measuring probe (5) mounted on the adaptor ring (4) so as to be opposite the body of the tool (1), which is mounted in a tool-holding spindle (6) of the machining equipment (2), the adaptor ring (4) making it possible to place the measuring probe (5) in at least three different measuring positions, wherein a processing means interacts with the measuring probe (5) in order to process the values measured by said measuring probe (5) and provide information on the amplitude of the movement to be carried out by the tool-holding spindle (6) in order to correct the deviation in the centering of the tool (1).