Spindle-Mounted Probe Mechanism for Machine Tool Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing probe mechanisms on machine tools, such as those used in gear manufacturing, face issues with inconsistent positioning accuracy and repeatability due to the use of articulated arms or telescoping devices, and there is a need for more compact and simplified probing systems with fewer controlled axes motions.
Innovation Solution
A contacting or non-contacting probe is mounted to a spindle of a machining device, such as a chamfering device, which has a home position that retracts during machining and an active position for workpiece contact, utilizing a dual spindle system with air pressure to lock and unlock the spindles for precise positioning without separate motors for probe advancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If articulated arms or telescoping devices are used for probe positioning, then the probe can be retracted and positioned, but positioning accuracy and repeatability become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the probe positioning function with the existing spindle system of the machine tool. The probe is mounted on the spindle and utilizes the spindle's inherent precision motion capabilities rather than requiring a separate positioning mechanism. This merging eliminates the inconsistency issues of articulated arms and telescoping devices by leveraging the spindle's established accuracy for both tool operation and probe positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The spindle serves dual functions: it acts as both the tool holder for machining operations and the positioning mechanism for the probe. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated probe positioning devices, thereby improving positioning accuracy and repeatability by using the same precision mechanism for both purposes.
2Ease of operation
If separate motors are used for probe advancement, then probe positioning can be controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing spindle motor is used to drive both the tool and the probe positioning. This eliminates the need for separate motors dedicated to probe advancement, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation through the machine's existing control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions for tool operation and probe positioning are merged into a single control system that manages the spindle motor. This consolidation reduces the number of independent motors and control circuits required, simplifying the overall device complexity.
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
This solution provides improved positioning accuracy and simplifies the probing system by eliminating the need for separate motors, resulting in a more accurate and cost-effective method for positioning probes on machine tools, suitable for various machining processes.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a dual spindle system with air pressure to lock and unlock the spindles for precise positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A contacting or non-contacting probe (2) is mounted to a spindle (6), preferably a tool spindle, of a machining device, such as a chamfering device (4), whereby it has a home position retracted out of the way of the machining (e.g. chamfering) process and an active position where it can contact a workpiece before or after the machining (e.g. chamfering) process.