Workpiece Alignment Plate for Precise CNC Table Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alignment devices for workpieces on numerically controlled machine tools require significant space and rely on precise clamping mechanisms, leading to machining inaccuracies due to the distance between the workpiece and the machine table, and partial fixation of the workpiece position, which can result in positional changes during machining.
Innovation Solution
An alignment device with a lower and upper plate, an adjustment mechanism using wedge-shaped elements and lever mechanisms, and hydraulic clamping cylinders to secure the relative position of the workpiece with respect to the machine table, allowing for precise and automatic alignment without the need for highly precise clamping devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If eccentric disks and piezo actuators are used for positioning, then adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is divided into two independent plates: a lower plate that remains stationary on the machine table and an upper plate that carries the workpiece and can be adjusted relative to the lower plate. This segmentation allows the adjustment mechanism to be compact while maintaining full positioning capability, resolving the contradiction between adjustment capability and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If eccentric disks and piezo actuators are used for positioning, then adjustment capability is improved, but the distance between machine table and workpiece increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism operates in the horizontal plane between the lower and upper plates rather than extending vertically. By changing the dimension of adjustment from vertical to horizontal, the workpiece can be positioned precisely while maintaining minimal distance from the machine table, resolving the contradiction between adjustment capability and compactness.
3Ease of operation
If the adjustment mechanism holds the workpiece load, then positioning is achieved, but position stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the adjustment mechanism support the workpiece load, the invention inverts the approach: the lower plate provides stable support on the machine table, and the adjustment mechanism only needs to reposition the upper plate horizontally. This inversion separates the support function from the adjustment function, ensuring position stability while maintaining positioning capability.
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 alignment device provides precise and automatic adjustment of the workpiece, reducing machining inaccuracies, minimizing space requirements, and enabling the use of a wide range of components with reduced costs, while ensuring the workpiece remains securely positioned during machining.
Implementation Method 1
The alignment device includes hydraulic clamping cylinders for generating a clamping force
Implementation Method 2
The adjustment mechanism is formed by wedge-shaped elements, by lateral motion of which relative to one another, the upper plate can be adjusted with respect to the lower plate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an alignment device (100) for adjusting a workpiece (400) on a machine table (300) of a numerically controlled machine tool (1000), the alignment device (100) comprises: a lower plate (20) which can be mounted on the machine table (300) of the machine tool (1000), an upper plate (10) which is movably arranged on the lower plate (20), on the upper side of which a workpiece carrier (200) can be mounted, an adjusting mechanism which is arranged between the lower plate (20) and the upper plate (10) for adjusting the relative position of the upper plate (10) to the lower plate (20), and a locking mechanism for securing the relative position of the upper plate (10) to the lower plate (20).