Wire-Fed Machine Tool Contact Sensing for Precise Tip Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools performing additive machining and cutting face challenges in accurately identifying the position of the tip end of a wire supported by a first machining head, which affects the precision and accuracy of the machining process.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool configuration that includes a conduction block disposed on the table device to identify the position of the tip end of the wire by detecting contact through an electric circuit, allowing for precise positioning and correction of the wire tip end without requiring significant movement of the machining head or additional dedicated tables, thereby enhancing the accuracy of additive machining and subsequent cutting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the wire tip end position is identified using a conduction block on the table device, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the electric circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
A conduction block is introduced as an intermediary element between the wire tip end and the table device. The conduction block serves as a mediator that establishes electrical contact to detect wire tip end position, thereby improving measurement precision while isolating the complexity of the detection system from the main machining components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning and measurement systems with an electrical detection system. Instead of using mechanical sensors or optical systems to detect wire tip end position, the invention uses electrical conduction through the conduction block to identify position, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high precision.
2Productivity
If the wire tip end position is corrected without significant movement of the machining head, then the productivity is improved, but the manufacturing precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The conduction block is pre-positioned on the table device at the location where wire tip end contact should occur. This preliminary setup allows for rapid position verification and correction without requiring the machining head to move to multiple calibration positions, thereby maintaining both high productivity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-correction of wire tip end position by using the conduction block to detect contact and trigger automatic position adjustment. The machining head receives feedback from the electrical circuit and autonomously corrects its position, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining high precision through automated control.
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
This solution enables quick and accurate identification and correction of the wire tip end position, improving the precision of the added material and the subsequent cutting process, ensuring high accuracy in shaping the workpiece without excessive or insufficient cutting.
Implementation Method 1
a conduction block disposed on the table device to identify the position of the tip end of the wire by detecting contact through an electric circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine tool includes: a table device configured to support a workpiece; a first machining head configured to support a wire in a state in which a tip end of the wire is exposed, and configured to add a molten material generated from the tip end of the wire to the workpiece supported by the table device; a power supply device configured to supply a current to the wire; a conduction block disposed on the table device and configured to identify a position of the tip end of the wire; a driving device configured to relatively move the first machining head with respect to the table device such that the tip end of the wire exposed from the first machining head and the conduction block disposed on the table device are brought into contact with each other; and a first electric circuit switchable from an open state to a closed state by contact between the tip end of the wire exposed from the first machining head and the conduction block disposed on the table device.