Swing Arm Lockout Sensing for Deep Reach Machining Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual operation of deep reach machining tools for gas turbine engines is prone to misalignment and incorrect tool paths due to reliance on operator memory, posing risks of tool displacement and inefficiencies in removing welding flash from confined rotor surfaces.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a mechanical input mechanism with a swing arm cartridge that pivots in response to a hand wrench, coupled with sensors and a terminal block for communication with a CNC machine's I/O interface, allowing for automated position determination and control of the machining tool's open and closed states, enabling precise operation and reducing manual errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of deep reach machining tool is used, then operator can control the tool, but misalignment and incorrect tool path occur due to reliance on operator memory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements sensors that detect the swing arm cartridge position and provide feedback signals to the control system. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates reliance on operator memory, ensuring accurate tool positioning and path control while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system that uses sensors, terminal blocks, and CNC machine integration. This substitution of mechanical manual control with automated electronic control systems resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
2Device complexity
If no sensor integration is used, then tool structure remains simple, but operator safety and collision risk cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are integrated into the swing arm cartridge to detect its position and provide real-time feedback signals. This enables the control system to monitor tool state, ensure operator safety, and prevent collisions while maintaining relatively simple tool structure through modular sensor integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and terminal blocks as intermediary elements between the mechanical tool components and the CNC control system. These intermediaries enable safe operation and collision detection without significantly complicating the core mechanical structure of the machining tool.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated sensor system is integrated, then tool positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback sensors integrated into the swing arm cartridge to detect position and provide signals to the control system. This automated feedback mechanism achieves high positioning accuracy while managing device complexity through modular sensor integration and standard terminal block connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal block is designed to provide multiple functions: sensor signal reception, communication with CNC machine I/O interface, and tool state monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby improving positioning accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A deep reach machining tool (10) provides a swing arm cartridge (52) that pivots relative to the tool body (50) about an axis (T), an open sensor (74) that indicates that the swing arm cartridge (52) is in an open position with respect to the tool body (50), and a close sensor (72) that indicates that the swing arm cartridge (52) is in a closed position with respect to the tool body (50).