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Precise positioning in a robotized laser-cutting machine allowed by a three-V-shaped-groove kinematic coupling: a feasibility study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2023

Carlo De Benedictis Open the ORCID record for Carlo De Benedictis [Opens in a new window]  and
Carlo Ferraresi Open the ORCID record for Carlo Ferraresi [Opens in a new window]
Carlo De Benedictis*
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
Carlo Ferraresi
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
*
Corresponding author: Carlo De Benedictis; Email: carlo.debenedictis@polito.it
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Abstract

Devices known as kinematic couplings offer accurate, repeatable, and stiff connections between two parts. They are characterized by point contacts and enable great repeatability with errors less than 1 micron, in contrast to conventional coupling systems like alignment pins or those based on elastic deformation. In this study, a robotized laser-cutting machine is equipped with a three-groove kinematic coupling design to increase the precision of workpiece placement. Given the application’s requirements, a preliminary design of the coupling is defined. An analytical approach is provided for calculating stresses and deflections at the locations where balls and grooves make contact, and it is then utilized to calculate positioning errors caused by the mechanical structure’s elastic deformation under various loading conditions. The outcomes of the simulations are finally discussed and highlight the efficacy of the solution tested.

Keywords

three-groove couplingkinematic couplingprecise positioningmachine designmechanical connection
Type
Research Article
Information
Robotica , Volume 41 , Issue 9 , September 2023 , pp. 2703 - 2712
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press

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