Tool Rack Position Sensing for Fast Tool Station Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool rack systems for automatic machines require complex and costly reconfiguration processes, involving manual measurements and skilled personnel, to accommodate changes in tool stations, which are prone to errors and increase unproductive time.
Innovation Solution
A tool rack system with a linear guide and position transducer that automatically detects and transmits the position of tool stations to the machine's control unit, allowing for easy reconfiguration and precise alignment without manual measurements, using a control unit and positioning platform that can connect to multiple tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual measurement and recording of tool rack configuration is performed, then the machine controller can be updated with new tool positions, but the reconfiguration process becomes complex, time-consuming, and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical measurement process with an automated optical measurement system. The measurement probe automatically detects tool holder positions and the control unit processes the data, eliminating the need for manual measurement and recording operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs self-measurement of the tool rack configuration. The probe automatically measures tool holder positions and the control unit autonomously updates the configuration data, without requiring external manual intervention for measurement and recording.
2Manufacturing precision
If skilled personnel perform manual configuration operations, then accurate tool rack setup can be achieved, but unproductive time increases and operational complexity rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual skilled operations with an automated measurement and control system. The probe and control unit automatically perform configuration tasks that previously required skilled personnel, maintaining accuracy while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement probe acts as an intermediary between the tool rack and the control unit. It automatically transfers position data from the physical tool holders to the digital control system, eliminating the need for manual measurement and data entry by skilled personnel.
3Manufacturing precision
If the rack is rigidly fixed with strict alignment requirements, then positioning precision is maintained, but reconfiguration flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, rigid tool rack configuration into a dynamic system. The automated measurement capability allows the rack to be reconfigured flexibly, with the control system adapting to new positions through automatic measurement and data update, rather than requiring fixed predetermined positions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Tool rack (100) for an automatic machine comprising a control unit (220) and a positioning platform (200) connectable to a plurality of tools, the tool rack having a linear guide (37), one tool station or more than one tool stations (90) connected to the linear guide (37) for receiving and/or providing at least one of said plurality of tools in an operating volume (240) of the positioning platform, a position transducer (98) for detecting a position of the tool station or at least one of the tool stations relative to the linear guide (37) and transmitting the position to the control unit (220).