Workpiece Centering with Magnetic Clamping and Roundness Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece centering devices require workpiece-specific aids and are not automated, leading to complex and non-repeatable centering processes.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece centering device with a positioning element driven by an electric linear drive, capable of precise movement along a positioning axis, and a magnetic holding device for secure fixation, along with a detection system for real-time roundness deviation monitoring, enabling automated and repeatable centering without workpiece-specific aids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If workpiece-specific centering aids are used, then centering can be achieved, but the device complexity and preparation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the workpiece-specific centering aids from the centering process and replaces them with a universal positioning element that can accommodate different workpiece types through a standardized interface, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining centering precision
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element is designed with a universal configuration that can work with various workpiece geometries and sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized centering aids and simplifying the overall device structure
2Ease of operation
If manual centering processes are used, then flexibility is maintained, but automation and repeatability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element is designed to automatically self-align with the workpiece through its geometric features, enabling the system to perform centering operations autonomously without requiring manual intervention or complex control mechanisms, thus achieving both automation and operational simplicity
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed holding forces are applied, then workpiece stability is ensured, but centering movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic holding force is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the system to apply lower forces during centering operations to enable workpiece movement, and increase forces during machining to ensure stability, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and movement 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 device achieves precise, automated, and repeatable centering of workpieces, reducing the need for workpiece-specific aids and ensuring accurate alignment for finishing processes, with adjustable holding forces for secure fixation during machining.
Implementation Method 1
The positioning element can be driven along a positioning axis by means of a drive device. For a particularly precise control of the movement of the positioning element, it is preferable to use electric linear drives as the drive device.
Implementation Method 2
A particularly preferred holding device is formed by a magnetic clamping device, by means of which the workpiece can be frictionally fixed on the workpiece support surface.
Implementation Method 3
Contact of the positioning element with a workpiece surface can then be accompanied by a rotation of the positioning element, so that the positioning element rolls on the workpiece surface. This reduces friction occurring between the workpiece and the positioning element.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a workpiece centering device (10) comprising a workpiece support surface (18) rotatably driven about a rotational axis (22) for supporting a workpiece (20) to be finished, wherein the workpiece centering device (10) has a positioning device (28) with a positioning element (36) for temporary contact with a workpiece to be centered placed on the workpiece support (18), a drive device (30) for driving the positioning element along a positioning axis (40) and a control device (42) for controlling the movement of the positioning element.