Signaling Work Stop for Machine Tool Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional positioning work stops for machine tools are inadequate in ensuring that work pieces remain in their proper position during precision machining, as they can shift due to jarring during setup or processing, especially when handling highly precise parts.
Innovation Solution
A positioning work stop with a signaling means that provides visual or audio signals when the work piece is in its proper position and alerts the operator if it shifts out of position, utilizing a switch element and power source to activate a light or audio source upon contact with the work piece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional positioning stops are used, then the work piece can be positioned initially, but the work piece may shift position during setup or processing due to jarring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a signaling means (visual or audio) that continuously monitors work piece position and provides immediate notification when the work piece shifts from its proper position. This allows the operator to detect and correct positioning errors during machining operations, maintaining both reliability and precision.
2Ease of operation
If manually operated positioning stops are used, then installation is simple, but there is no indication when the work piece shifts out of position
Solution Approach 1:
The signaling means provides continuous feedback to the operator about the work piece position status through visual or audio signals, eliminating the information loss about whether the work piece is properly positioned without complicating the manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical positioning stop with an enhanced system that incorporates electrical or electronic signaling components. This substitution adds position monitoring capability while maintaining the simplicity of manual positioning operations.
3Reliability
If signaling means are added to positioning stops, then position monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrical or electronic signaling components to replace or augment mechanical indicators, achieving reliable position monitoring with minimal added complexity. The signaling means can be integrated into existing positioning stop structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The signaling means is designed to serve multiple functions: indicating proper position, detecting position shifts, and alerting operators. This multi-functionality is achieved within a compact integrated design that minimizes overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a positioning work stop for use with a machine tool for and having a signaling means that operates as a placement indicator effective for providing a signal if the work piece to be machined is in its proper position for machining or for signaling if the work piece has shifted out of position for machining. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the positioning work stop comprises a stop member having a stop surface, a switch element, a signaling means, and a power supply that are electrically coupled such that the signaling means activates when the work piece makes contact with the stop surface and operates as a placement indicator effective for providing a signal if the work piece to be machined is in its proper position for machining or for signaling if the work piece has shifted out of position for machining.