CNC Tool-Holder Angular Positioning Using Offset Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for precise angular positioning of tool-holders on CNC machines are laborious, require skilled personnel, and result in significant production downtime and increased costs due to frequent tool replacements and complex manual operations.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a motorized or non-motorized tool-holder with a front and rear part, utilizing pins with offset cylindrical portions and centesimal comparators for easy and precise angular adjustment, allowing quick and accurate positioning without the need for specialized equipment or personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual angular positioning operations are performed using known methods, then precise angular positioning of tool-holders is achieved, but the operations are long and laborious requiring skilled personnel and specific equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual mechanical positioning operations with a simplified mechanism featuring pins with offset cylindrical portions that engage with corresponding holes in the tool-holder. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for skilled manual operations while maintaining precision through the geometric constraint of the offset pins and centesimal comparators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pins with offset cylindrical portions as intermediary elements between the positioning mechanism and the tool-holder. These pins serve as mediators that translate simple rotational movement into precise angular positioning, eliminating the need for direct manual manipulation of complex components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent tool-holder replacements are performed to achieve required machining pieces, then machining flexibility is improved, but production downtime increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary angular positioning of tool-holders using the offset pin mechanism before machining operations begin. This preliminary action allows tool-holders to be pre-configured to the correct angular positions, so that when replacements are needed, they can be quickly swapped without time-consuming manual positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tool-holder positioning function into discrete angular increments defined by the centesimal comparator scale. This segmentation allows for standardized, repeatable positioning that can be quickly replicated during tool replacements, maintaining both flexibility and productivity.
3Measurement precision
If complex manual operations are used for angular positioning, then precise positioning is achieved, but the operations require intervention by qualified personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-service positioning system where the offset pins with cylindrical portions automatically guide the tool-holder into the correct angular position through geometric constraint. The centesimal comparators provide visual feedback that enables any operator to achieve precise positioning without requiring specialized skills or knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses centesimal comparators with graduated scales that provide visual indication of angular position. This visual feedback mechanism allows any operator to easily read and adjust the positioning, eliminating the need for specialized knowledge while maintaining high precision.
4Measurement precision
If specific equipment such as shift levers is used for positioning, then precise angular positioning is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential positioning function from complex manual operations and specific equipment like shift levers. By using simple pins with offset cylindrical portions that engage with holes in the tool-holder, the patent achieves precise positioning with a minimal, simplified mechanism that eliminates unnecessary complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the precise angular positioning of tool-holders includes a front part, a rear part, and a plug cooperating with a pair of pins arranged orthogonally relative to the plug. A first portion of the plug is inserted in a blind hole formed in the front part and a second portion of the plug is inserted in a corresponding blind hole formed in a front area defining a plate on the rear part of the tool-holder. The plate of the rear part has an upper surface in which a pair of bored holes is formed having equal diameters and depths. The bored holes extend vertically in the plate and orthogonally relative to the plug. A pin is rotatably inserted in each of the pair of bored holes to selectively rotate the plug in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction to orientate the front part relative to the rear part.