Spindle Phase Indexing Device Using Intermediary Jig

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spindle phase indexing devices for machine tools either risk damaging the cutting tool due to direct contact or are costly due to the use of non-contact sensors, particularly when working with non-carbon based materials like aluminum.

Innovation Solution

A spindle phase indexing device that includes a guide rail and a phase indexing jig with a first and second fitting part, where the cutting tool is constrained in a predetermined orientation without direct contact, allowing the controller to store the spindle phase, thus avoiding tool damage and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a touch sensor is used for spindle phase indexing by direct contact of the tool tip, then the spindle phase can be determined, but the cutting tool may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespindle phase determinationVSAvoidtool damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A phase indexing jig with fitting parts serves as an intermediary between the tool and the measurement system. The jig receives the tool and constrains its rotational phase without requiring direct contact between the tool tip and sensor, thereby determining spindle phase while preventing tool damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the direct mechanical contact measurement system (touch sensor) with a mechanical constraint system (phase indexing jig with fitting parts). The jig uses fitted connections to constrain tool rotation and determine phase mechanically, eliminating the need for direct tip-to-sensor contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-contact sensors are used for spindle phase indexing, then tool damage is avoided, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool damage preventionVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The phase indexing jig is a simple, inexpensive mechanical device that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. It uses basic fitting parts rather than expensive non-contact sensors, providing a cost-effective solution for tool-free phase determination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The phase indexing jig uses the tool itself and the machine's existing mechanical structures to determine phase. The fitting parts on the tool and jig create self-constraining connections that automatically establish the correct rotational phase without requiring external expensive sensing systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9902031B2Spindle phase indexing device for machine tool

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A spindle phase indexing device for a machine tool is equipped with a guide rail detachably or fixedly attached to a table, a phase indexing jig configured to travel on the guide rail and which includes a first fitting part, a cutting tool including a second fitting part configured to be fitted with the first fitting part, and a controller configured to store therein a phase of a spindle at a point in time when the first fitting part and the second fitting part are fitted together. The first fitting part and the second fitting part are formed such that rotation of the cutting tool is constrained when the first fitting part and the second fitting part are fitted together.