Swiss-Type Machine Tool Automated Probe Presetting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Swiss-type machine tools require significant manual setup time, especially when dealing with multiple tools, which adversely affects manufacturing efficiency due to the need for manual positioning and calibration using dummy workpieces.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a Swiss-type machine tool with a removable workpiece support and a probe system that allows for automated presetting, where the probe is connected to the workpiece holding shaft, enabling the machine tool to autonomously learn tool positions and reduce setup time by determining tool setup data through contact with the probe.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual setup process is used with dummy workpieces and keyboard input, then the machine tool can be configured to machine workpieces, but the setup time becomes excessively long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool positioning accuracyVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical setup process with an automated probe-based measurement system. The probe automatically measures the dummy workpiece and determines tool positions, eliminating the need for manual keyboard input and significantly reducing setup time while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The machine tool performs self-measurement and self-calibration using the integrated probe system. The probe automatically measures the dummy workpiece and calculates tool positions without external intervention, enabling the system to configure itself autonomously and reduce dependency on manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the workpiece support is fixed and non-removable, then the structure is simpler, but access to the workpiece holding shaft for probe connection is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe access to workpiece holding shaftVSAvoidworkpiece support structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The workpiece support system is divided into separate components: a removable workpiece support and a fixed workpiece holding shaft. This segmentation allows the probe to access the workpiece holding shaft when the support is removed, while maintaining structural simplicity when the support is installed for machining operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The workpiece support transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic removable structure. This allows the system to adapt between two states: with the support installed for machining and without it for probe access and presetting operations, providing operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240082927A1Machine tool

Publication Date: 2024.03.14 YAMAZAKI MAZAK KK

AI summary

In one aspect, a method of preparing a machine tool to machine a workpiece. The machine tool includes an artifact in the machine tool and a probe mounted to a head of the machine tool. The method includes determining a tool offset value for a tool by moving the probe and the tool relative to one another to bring the probe and the tool into contact with one another. Prior to determining the tool offset value, the method includes calibrating the probe by moving the probe and the artifact relative to one another to bring the probe and the artifact into contact with one another.