Tool Setter Cover Pressurization Against Coolant and Debris
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool setting apparatuses for machine tools face contamination issues due to coolant and debris ingress, leading to performance degradation and potential damage, despite having retractable protective covers.
Innovation Solution
A tool setting apparatus with a deflectable stylus and a moveable cover that includes a gas supply pathway to maintain positive pressure, expelling gas through the aperture, reducing contamination on the stylus and preventing debris ingress, utilizing pneumatic actuators and a check valve for automated configuration control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retractable protective cover is provided to protect the stylus during cutting operations, then the stylus is protected from physical damage, but contamination still builds up on the stylus tip and debris enters through the aperture
Solution Approach 1:
A gas supply pathway is provided that delivers pressurized gas into the region enclosed by the cover, creating a positive pressure environment. This pneumatic system forces contaminants away from the stylus tip and prevents debris ingress through the aperture, resolving the contamination issue while maintaining physical protection
Solution Approach 2:
The pressurized gas creates a controlled atmosphere within the cover that acts as a barrier against the external contaminated environment. This inert gas environment prevents coolant and debris from contacting the stylus, effectively isolating the sensitive measurement component from harmful factors
2Reliability
If the cover is extended to protect the stylus during cutting operations, then physical damage is prevented, but measurement accuracy degrades due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply pathway maintains a continuous positive pressure field within the cover during cutting operations, preventing contamination accumulation on the stylus tip. This ensures measurement precision is maintained even when the cover is extended for physical protection
3Reliability
If the cover surrounds the stylus during cutting operations, then protection is provided, but internal components become worn or damaged due to debris ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurized gas flow through the gas supply pathway creates an outward pressure gradient that prevents debris from entering the cover interior. This pneumatic barrier protects internal components from wear and damage caused by contaminant ingress
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 effectively reduces contamination on the stylus, maintains measurement accuracy, and protects internal components by preventing debris entry, enabling reliable unmanned operation of machine tools.
Implementation Method 1
at least one gas supply pathway being provided for supplying gas into the region enclosed by the cover when the cover is in the protective configuration, at least some of the supplied gas being expelled from the cover through the aperture
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A tool setting apparatus (40; 200) for a machine tool (4) is described. The apparatus includes a measurement probe (44; 206) having a stylus (46; 208) and a deflection sensor for sensing deflection of the stylus. The distal end of the stylus (46) comprises a tool-contacting tip (47; 212). A cover (48; 214) is provided that has an aperture (53) through which the distal end of the stylus can pass. The cover (48; 214) is moveable relative to the measurement probe (44; 206) between a protective configuration in which the cover (48; 214) substantially surrounds the stylus (46; 208) and a tool measurement configuration in which the tip of the stylus (47; 212) protrudes through the aperture (53) of the cover (48; 214) to allow tool measurement. At least one gas supply pathway (56) is provided for supplying gas (e.g. air) into the region (58; 231) enclosed by the cover (48; 214) when the cover (48; 214) is in the protective configuration, at least some of the supplied gas being expelled or bleed from the cover (48; 214) through the aperture (53).The cover (48; 214) may be moveable using an actuator (54), such as pneumatic actuator.