Tool Slide Reference Position Sensing in Chipping Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting tools for lathes face complexity in referencing the tool carriage position, making precise and simple detection challenging.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a position switch and transmitter coupled with the tool carriage, allowing for contactless activation of the position switch via a magnetic field or eddy current, enabling precise detection of the reference position without costly displacement measurements, and allowing for wireless transmission of the reference position signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex path measurement is used to detect reference position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference position detection precisionVSAvoidreferencing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the reference position detection function from complex path measurement systems and implements it through a simple position switch that detects only the reference position. This isolates the essential detection need from unnecessary measurement complexity, resolving the contradiction between precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simple, inexpensive position switch instead of expensive displacement measurement systems. The position switch is a basic electrical component that provides sufficient functionality for reference position detection without the complexity and cost of precision measurement instruments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If contact-based position switching is used, then detection reliability is improved, but wear increases reducing duration of action

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection reliabilityVSAvoidposition switch service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based position switching with contactless detection using a magnet and position switch sensor. This substitution eliminates physical wear between moving parts while maintaining reliable position detection, resolving the contradiction between reliability and service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary between the tool carriage and position switch. The magnet creates a magnetic field that actuates the position switch without physical contact, serving as a mediator that transfers the positioning information without causing wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If precise reference position detection is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool slide positioning precisionVSAvoidreferencing operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic reference position detection where the position switch automatically detects when the tool carriage reaches the reference position and triggers the referencing signal. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual positioning or complex operator procedures, resolving the contradiction between precision and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses visual indication (analogous to color changes) through the control system to show when the reference position is detected. The control unit receives the signal from the position switch and can provide visual feedback to the operator, making the precise detection process simple and intuitive to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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

Enables easy and precise recording of the tool carriage's reference position, reducing wear and allowing for incremental displacement measurement, thereby simplifying the referencing process and enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The switch actuation area has a magnetic field that is adjusted along with the switch actuation area and thus with the tool slide, and which activates the position switch in the reference position.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The actuation area can also be an edge of the tool slide, where the edge induces an eddy current in the position switch, which is an inductive sensor.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy current: Eddy Currents

Data Source

PatentEP4112226A1Chipping tool
Publication Date: 2023.01.04 CERATIZIT BESIGHEIM GMBH
  • EP4112226A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4112226A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4112226A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cutting tool (1) is provided, wherein the cutting tool (1) has a tool slide (2), a slide guide (13), a cutting element (3) and a further cutting element (4), wherein the tool slide (2) carries the cutting element (3), wherein the slide guide (13) guides the tool slide (2), wherein the tool slide (2) is adjustable from a reference position to a working position guided by the slide guide (13), wherein the cutting element (3) and the further cutting element (4) form an adjustable cutting gap (5), wherein the cutting tool (1) has a position switch (13a) and a position transmitter (13e), wherein the position switch (13a) and the tool slide (2) are coupled such that when the tool slide (2) is in the reference position, the position switch (13b) is switched on, and when the tool slide (2) is outside of the reference position,the position switch (13b) is switched off.