Machine Tool Body Positioning Using Force-Sensed Manual Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual control of a tool body positioning in machine tools for machining operations is cumbersome and difficult due to the need for visual observation and simultaneous handling of a control unit, especially when positioning a cutting tool near inner surfaces of a workpiece.
Innovation Solution
The use of force sensors and accelerometers on the tool body to sense deflection forces and acceleration patterns, allowing the tool body to serve as a maneuvering means for precise positioning through controlled displacements based on detected forces and patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control with visual observation is used for positioning the tool body, then the operator can observe the positioning process, but the operator must use both hands for control unit manipulation making simultaneous observation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with sensor-based detection. Force sensors detect deflection forces applied to the tool body, and accelerometers detect tapping patterns, substituting the need for manual control unit manipulation. This allows the operator to position the tool body using intuitive physical gestures while maintaining visual observation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool body itself serves as the control interface through which the operator applies forces and taps to generate positioning commands. The sensor arrangement on the tool body detects these gestures directly, making the tool body self-serving as both the object to be positioned and the control input device, eliminating the need for separate control unit handling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a portable control unit is used for manual positioning control, then the operator can move freely, but the control unit requires both hands to operate making positioning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tool body serves multiple functions: it is both the object to be positioned and the control input device. The sensor arrangement detects various gestures (deflection forces, tapping patterns) on the tool body, making the tool body a multi-functional device that combines positioning target and control interface, eliminating the need for separate control units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical control unit with sensor-based detection systems. Force sensors and accelerometers detect physical gestures on the tool body and convert them into positioning commands, substituting manual control unit manipulation with automated sensor interpretation, thereby improving operational ease while maintaining mobility.
3Ease of operation
If force sensors are used to detect deflection forces on the tool body, then intuitive positioning control is enabled, but additional sensors and control systems are required increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement serves multiple detection functions: force sensors detect deflection forces for continuous positioning control, while accelerometers detect tapping patterns for discrete positioning commands. This multi-functional sensor system consolidates multiple control inputs into a single integrated arrangement on the tool body, managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges force sensors and accelerometers into a single sensor arrangement on the tool body. This combination allows detection of both continuous deflection forces and discrete tapping patterns using an integrated system, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms and managing overall system complexity through consolidation.
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
Enables intuitive and precise positioning of the tool body without the need for additional devices, improving operational efficiency and reducing complexity by using the tool body itself for maneuvering, thus enhancing the preparation for machining operations.
Implementation Method 1
reading outputs from at least one force sensor of a sensor arrangement configured for sensing deflection forces applied to the tool body
Implementation Method 2
reading outputs from at least one accelerometer of the sensor arrangement configured for sensing acceleration applied to the tool body
Data Source
AI summary
A method for positioning of a tool body of a machine tool in preparation for a machining operation includes reading outputs from at least one force sensor of a sensor arrangement configured for sensing deflection forces applied to the tool body. The tool body is displaced in response to the read outputs from the force sensor(s). The displacing includes displacing the tool body in a first direction as a response to a component in a second direction of a deflection force applied on the tool body by an operator.