Tool-Inclining System for Consistent Machining Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

In industrial machining, existing tool-inclining systems fail to adapt to the specific morphology of workpieces, leading to inconsistent machining quality due to defects and varying characteristics, particularly in rough-finish workpieces like those from foundry processes.

Innovation Solution

A tool-inclining system with a compact and reliable structure that allows the tool to tilt based on the workpiece's morphology, utilizing a base, support, connection member, and fluid counteracting means to maintain a neutral position and adjust to deviations from ideal geometry, ensuring uniform machining quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a tool-inclining system is implemented to adapt to workpiece morphology, then machining quality uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining quality uniformityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pneumatic or hydraulic actuators to provide the inclining force that tilts the tool relative to the workpiece. This allows continuous adjustment of the tool angle to compensate for workpiece morphology variations, thereby maintaining uniform machining quality without requiring complex mechanical linkage systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the tool's angular parameter (inclination angle) in response to detected workpiece morphology. By varying this single parameter through fluid pressure control, the system achieves adaptation to different workpiece shapes while keeping the overall structure relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tool is allowed to tilt to adapt to workpiece characteristics, then adaptability is improved, but stability of tool position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool adaptation to workpiece morphologyVSAvoidtool position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that detect workpiece morphology and feed this information back to the control system. Based on this feedback, the fluid actuators adjust the tool inclination angle in real-time, allowing the tool to adapt to workpiece variations while maintaining stable and controlled positioning throughout the machining process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The tool positioning system transitions from a static fixed-angle configuration to a dynamic adjustable-angle configuration. The fluid actuators enable continuous adjustment of the tool inclination, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to different workpiece morphologies while maintaining stability through controlled actuation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The system effectively compensates for workpiece deviations by tilting the tool, maintaining consistent machining quality across varying workpiece geometries, with adjustable stiffness and flexibility to handle different machining operations and loads.

Implementation Method 1

fluid means comprising a piston mobile in a chamber provided in the base and in communication with a duct for supply of working fluid under pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3067167B1Tool-inclining system
Publication Date: 2019.04.17 ROBOTOOLS
  • EP3067167B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3067167B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3067167B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a tool-inclining system (10), which is characterized in that it is provided with a structure that is simple, compact, and able to operate according to an altogether reliable mode of operation. The system comprises: a base (2) for securing said system to a structure that is to carry said tool (10), such as a robot arm; a support (4) on which said tool is to be fixed, said support being configured in such a way that said tool fixed to said support defines a working axis (S); a connection member (6, 66) for connection of said support to said base, said member allowing a given angular movement of said support so that said working axis displaces, starting from a neutral position, according to a tilting movement; and fluid countering means or elastic countering means (22, 46, 61), which act on said support so as to exert an action that counters said tilting movement.