Stone Cutting Tool Offset Control for Precise Profile Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

The processing of stone materials using diamond wheel sets is hindered by the need for precise offset calculation, leading to excessive tool wear, potential breakage, and slow, costly manufacturing due to incorrect offset determinations.

Innovation Solution

A device and procedure that automatically calculates the offset for each tool based on its removal thickness and current cutting profile, using a control unit and acquisition system to determine the optimal position and trajectory for processing, allowing for precise and efficient material removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual offset calculation is used by the operator, then the processing can be performed with simple equipment, but the processing time increases and manufacturing precision decreases due to incorrect offset determination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoffset calculation precisionVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical offset calculation method with an automated computer-based system. The control unit automatically calculates the offset values based on the tool profile data and workpiece geometry, eliminating the need for manual operator calculation and significantly improving both precision and speed of offset determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the control unit to autonomously determine offset values without operator intervention. The automated calculation process uses pre-stored tool profiles and workpiece data to compute optimal offset values, reducing dependency on operator expertise and minimizing calculation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If manual offset calculation is performed with numerous tests, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the productivity decreases and loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing accurate tool profile data in the control unit before processing begins. The system calculates and stores offset values in advance based on the known tool geometry and workpiece requirements, eliminating the need for time-consuming trial-and-error tests during actual production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated computer-based offset calculation system replaces manual trial-and-error testing with precise mathematical computation. The control unit rapidly calculates optimal offset values using stored tool profiles and workpiece geometry, achieving high manufacturing precision without the time loss associated with manual testing and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If incorrect offset is used, then the manufacturing process is faster, but tool wear increases and tool reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidtool reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback by continuously monitoring tool position and depth of cut during processing. The control unit uses this feedback to maintain the calculated offset values, ensuring that the tool removes the precise amount of material intended without excessive wear or breakage, thereby preserving both productivity and tool reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Manufacturing precision

If complex offset calculations are performed manually, then manufacturing precision can be improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoffset determination accuracyVSAvoidoperator ease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual offset calculation with an automated control unit that performs all computational tasks electronically. The operator simply loads tool profiles and workpiece data, and the system automatically computes precise offset values, maintaining high manufacturing precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses digital copies of tool profiles stored in memory rather than requiring physical measurement and manual calculation. The control unit reads these digital representations and automatically computes offset values, eliminating the need for operators to perform complex manual calculations while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 approach ensures precise and high-quality processing, reduces tool wear, and significantly decreases processing time and costs by automating offset calculations and optimizing tool usage.

Implementation Method 1

an acquisition system configured to capture the current cutting profile of the tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical scanning: Photography

Data Source

PatentEP4080300A1Device and processing procedure of stone material
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 PREVITI ANTONINO
  • EP4080300A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4080300A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4080300A1 patent drawing

AI summary

It is provided a processing procedure (100) of an object (1a) in stone material and defining final profile (1c), the process (100) comprises: a work station of said object (1a); tools (2) configured to process the object (1a) and defining a removal thickness (2b); a block for reciprocal movement between object (1a) and tool (2); a drive block control unit; an acquisition step (20) wherein the acquisition system acquires the current cutting profile (2c) of each tool (2); an evaluation step (30) wherein for each tool (2) an offset is determined between object (1a) and tool (2) as a function of the final profile (1c), removal thickness (2b) and current cutting profile (2c); and at least one processing step wherein the movement block reciprocally moves object (1a) and tool (2) defining said offset.