Tool Measurement Head Interface for Compact Machine Tool Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring systems for machine tools require complex and space-consuming setups with multiple pneumatic and electrical lines, posing risks of collision and damage, and complicating the installation and connection processes.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact measuring system with a light transmitter and receiver, featuring an optical lens arrangement housed in a lens mount with cylindrical sleeves, and a multi-purpose interface socket providing mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic connections, reducing the need for multiple lines and enhancing safety and ease of installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pneumatic and electrical lines are provided for the measuring system, then the measuring system can perform sealing, control, and cleaning functions, but the installation effort and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pneumatic lines (for sealing air, cleaning air, and control air) and electrical lines into a single multi-purpose interface socket. This interface socket integrates all necessary connections (pneumatic supply, electrical power, signal transmission) into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate connectors and reducing installation complexity while maintaining all required functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-purpose interface socket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides pneumatic supply connections, electrical power connections, and signal transmission in a single component. This universal interface replaces the need for separate specialized connectors for each function, simplifying the overall system installation and reducing the number of assembly steps.
2Area of stationary object
If the measuring system is moved to a measuring position via swivel or linear unit, then the working area is freed up, but the risk of collision and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring system is divided into a stationary base unit (containing the multi-purpose interface socket and control electronics) and a movable measuring head. The stationary base remains outside the working area to maintain safety, while only the necessary measuring components enter the working area during measurement, reducing collision risk while preserving working space.
3Reliability
If pneumatic lines are provided for cleaning and sealing functions, then the measuring system operates reliably, but the number of lines and connectors required increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pneumatic lines carrying different air supplies (cleaning air, sealing air, control air) are merged into a single multi-purpose interface socket. This integration reduces the number of separate pneumatic connectors and lines required, while the internal distribution system within the socket maintains reliable delivery of each air supply to its designated function.
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 solution allows for safe, reliable, and efficient operation by eliminating the need for complex line setups, reducing the risk of collision and damage, and simplifying the installation process, while maintaining precise measurement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a light barrier measuring system (10) having a light transmitter part (14) and a light receiver part (16), with an optical lens arrangement (906) assigned to the light transmitter part (14) and/or to the light receiver part (16) for shaping and focusing a light beam (24) from the light transmitter part (14) to the light receiver part (16)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a
Figure 4b~4e
AI summary
A non-contact measurement system with a non-contact measurement device having a light transmitter part and a light receiver part, for determining the position of a tool or for determining the longest cutting edge of a rotating tool in a machine tool, with the light transmitter part and/or the light receiver part having an optical lens arrangement for shaping and focusing a light beam from the light emitter part to the light receiver part, the optical lens arrangement being accommodated in a lens mount, the lens mount having an inner and an outer, each cylindrical sleeve, the lens arrangement being inserted in the inner sleeve, the lens assembly being inserted in the outer sleeve at least is partially enclosed, and the lens mount is accommodated with the lens arrangement in a wall of the light transmitter part and/or the light receiver part.