A method, device, and storage medium for measuring the flange height of an exterior body panel.

Abstract

This invention discloses a method, device, and storage medium for measuring the flange height of an exterior body panel, belonging to the field of precision measurement technology. Specifically, it includes the following steps: Step 1: Creating measurement points; Step 2: Programming using METROLOG software; This method combines design software with a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) to accurately set measurement elements on the same cross-section and precisely collect element data; subsequently, the measured values ​​are processed and calculated using software algorithms to determine the flange height value at that location; and the entire measurement process is automatically recorded and properly stored by the system, ensuring maximum accuracy and consistency of measurement results in subsequent measurements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of precision measurement technology, specifically relating to a method, device, and storage medium for measuring the flange height of an exterior body panel. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive industry's design and manufacturing process, component dimensional measurement plays a crucial role, especially for body panel assemblies such as front and rear hoods and door panels. These components typically employ an outer panel covering an inner panel, and the flange height around the perimeter of each individual part determines the width and quality of the overlapping area in the assembly. Therefore, in the mold design and calibration stage, precise control of the flange height of individual outer panel edges becomes a core element in measuring dimensional quality. This means repeatedly performing meticulous dimensional measurements of the flanged area and making timely adjustments to the mold based on the measurement results.

[0003] Currently, the industry primarily uses calipers and rulers for manual inspection when measuring the flange height of automotive exterior body panels. The drawbacks are potential errors due to factors such as tool slippage, uncertainty in starting and ending point positioning, measurement angle deviation, and the susceptibility of parts to deformation. Furthermore, manual inspection is inefficient; single-point measurement and reading take approximately 0.7 to 1.2 minutes, while measuring a complete flange can take up to 2 hours. Therefore, a precise and intelligent measurement method is urgently needed for flange height measurement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the instability and inefficiency of manual measurement of the flange height of automotive exterior body panels in existing technologies, this invention provides a method, device, and storage medium for measuring the flange height of automotive exterior body panels. This method combines design software with a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) to accurately set measurement elements on the same cross-section and precisely collect element data. Subsequently, software algorithms process and calculate the measured values ​​to determine the flange height at that location. Furthermore, the entire measurement process is automatically recorded and properly stored by the system, ensuring maximum accuracy and consistency of measurement results in subsequent measurements.

[0005] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for measuring the flange height of an exterior body panel, specifically including the following steps:

[0007] Step 1: Create measurement points, including:

[0008] A1. Extract the flange edge curve and the curves on both sides of the R-angle of the outer body panel and perform offset processing;

[0009] A2. Create a cross-section around the flange;

[0010] A3. Use cross sections to divide the curve into intersection points and find the theoretical intersection points in space;

[0011] A4. Output measurement points;

[0012] Step 2: Program using METROLOG software;

[0013] B1. Import the digital model and measurement points of the vehicle body exterior panels;

[0014] B2. Define the measurement sequence of the obtained measurement points, and then perform the measurements;

[0015] B3. Construct a straight line based on the measured values ​​of the measurement points and find the intersection point;

[0016] B4. Evaluate the flange length and output the measurement result report.

[0017] Furthermore, step A1 includes the following:

[0018] A11. Import the digital model of the vehicle body exterior panel to be measured into the CATIA design software;

[0019] A12. Insert a set of geometric shapes, and use the join command to extract and join the outermost edge curve of the flange and the tangents on the top and bottom sides of the flange R-angle in sequence.

[0020] A13. Using the parallel curve command, offset curves are constructed by moving the outermost edge curve of the flange upwards by 1mm, the lower end tangent of the flange R-corner downwards by 1mm, the upper end tangent of the flange R-corner inwards by 1mm and 6mm, respectively. The product surface is selected as the support surface, and a total of 4 curves are generated.

[0021] Furthermore, in step A2, the copy command is used to construct the cross-section at a measurement interval of 80mm, and the spacing at key dimensional locations is increased.

[0022] Furthermore, the two sides of the sharp corner are spaced 30mm apart.

[0023] Furthermore, step A3 specifically includes the following:

[0024] A31. Use the intersection command to intersect the cross section generated in step A2, the flange edge line, and the four curves generated in step A1, resulting in 5 intersection points on each cross section;

[0025] A32. Construct a straight line using the two intersection points of the same side end faces. The theoretical spatial intersection point PNTX can be obtained through the two intersecting straight lines.

[0026] A33. Repeat step A32 to construct straight lines along the circumference of the part for all cross-sectional positions, and find the theoretical intersection points in space.

[0027] Furthermore, in step A4, the digital model of the vehicle body exterior covering and all the curves obtained from the construction are hidden, and all spatial theoretical intersections are output in IGS format.

[0028] Further, in step B2, the program learns itself by creating a new program, and then the spatial theoretical intersection point PNT X is defined in the software's 3D window using the geometric point definition command;

[0029] In step B2, the measurement point is measured using the Measure Surface Point command;

[0030] In step B3, the Construct Line command is used to construct a line, and the Construct Point command is used to find the intersection of the lines.

[0031] In step B4, the evaluation distance command is used to evaluate the actual length between the two points and assign tolerances to finally obtain the measurement result of the flange height at that location.

[0032] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the program, it implements a method for measuring the flange height of an exterior body panel as described in any of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements a method for measuring the flange height of an exterior body panel as described in any of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0035] 1. The present invention provides a method, equipment, and storage medium for measuring the flange height of an exterior body panel, achieving a high measurement efficiency of up to 40%, shortening the testing time, and saving manpower;

[0036] 2. By linking CATIA software with a coordinate measuring machine, measurement accuracy is greatly enhanced, scrap is reduced, and product quality is indirectly improved;

[0037] 3. Simplified procedures reduce worker workload and enhance process controllability and standardization. This technological innovation not only improves practicality but also optimizes aspects such as precision, efficiency, and cost, effectively promoting enterprise economic benefits and sustainable development. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for measuring the flange height of an exterior body panel according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 A schematic diagram for curve generation;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of curve extraction and combination;

[0042] Figure 4 To construct a cross-sectional schematic diagram;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the output measurement points;

[0044] Figure 6 A schematic diagram for defining measurement points;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To clearly and completely describe the technical solution and its specific working process of the present invention, the specific embodiments of the present invention are as follows, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0047] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0048] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0049] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0050] Example 1

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides a method for measuring the flange height of an exterior body panel, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0052] Step 1: Create measurement points, including:

[0053] A1. Extract the flange edge curve and the curves on both sides of the R-angle of the outer body panel and perform offset processing, as follows:

[0054] A11. Import the digital model of the vehicle body exterior panel to be measured into the CATIA design software;

[0055] A12. Insert a set of geometric shapes, and use the join command to extract and join the outermost edge curve of the flange and the tangents on the top and bottom sides of the flange's radius (R-angle). Figure 2 As shown;

[0056] A13. Using the Parallel Curve command, construct offset curves by offsetting 1mm upwards along the outermost edge curve of the flange, 1mm downwards along the tangent line at the lower end of the flange's R-angle, and 1mm and 6mm inwards along the tangent line at the upper end of the flange's R-angle. Select the product surface as the support surface. A total of 4 curves are generated. Figure 3 As shown;

[0057] A2. Create a cross-section around the flange;

[0058] Specifically, the copy command is used to construct cross-sections at 80mm intervals, with the spacing at key dimensional locations increased. Figure 4 As shown; the two sides of the sharp corner are spaced 30mm apart.

[0059] A3. Using cross-sections to divide the curve into intersection points and derive the theoretical spatial intersection points, specifically including:

[0060] A31. Use the intersection command to intersect the cross section generated in step A2, the flange edge line, and the four curves generated in step A1, resulting in 5 intersection points on each cross section;

[0061] A32. Construct a straight line using the two intersection points of the same side end face. The theoretical spatial intersection point PNTX can be obtained through the two intersecting straight lines. The name of the measurement point can be set according to programming habits.

[0062] A33. Repeat step A32 to construct straight lines along the circumference of the part for all cross-sectional positions, and find the theoretical intersection points in space.

[0063] A4. Output measurement points;

[0064] Specifically, it involves hiding the curves obtained from the digital model of the vehicle's exterior body panels and all their structures, and outputting all theoretical spatial intersections in IGS format, such as... Figure 5 As shown;

[0065] Step 2: Program using METROLOG software;

[0066] B1. Import the digital model and measurement points of the vehicle body exterior panels;

[0067] B2. Define the measurement sequence of the obtained measurement points, and then perform the measurements;

[0068] The program learns itself by creating a new program, and then the theoretical spatial intersection point PNT X is defined in the software's 3D window using the geometric point definition command; for example... Figure 6 As shown, other measuring points are defined in the order of PNT ABCDE, with E defined as an edge measuring point and ABCD as surface measuring points; then the command to measure surface points is used to measure measuring points ABCDE.

[0069] B3. Construct a straight line based on the measured values ​​of the measurement points and find the intersection point;

[0070] Use the Construct Line command to construct a line, select points A and B as line 1, and C and D as line 2. Use the Construct Point command to find the intersection of the lines.

[0071] B4. Evaluate the flange length and output the measurement result report;

[0072] Using the Evaluation Distance command, click on the element, select E (datum element), select PNT (X), evaluate the actual length between the two points, and assign tolerances to finally obtain the measurement result of the flange height at this location.

[0073] Repeat the above steps to define measurement points and complete the circumference programming measurement of the part (adjust the probe measurement angle and stroke position to avoid interference) and output the measurement result report.

[0074] Once programming is complete, save the program, set its name, and arrange its storage location appropriately for future measurements.

[0075] When measuring a part again, the operator only needs to call the previously stored preset measurement program, and the system will automatically execute all the operation procedures to achieve efficient and accurate measurement of the part's flange height.

[0076] This embodiment describes a method for measuring the flange height of an exterior body panel. It utilizes CATIA design software to meticulously create the measurement point layout and pre-set the intersection coordinates of the theoretical flange space. This effectively standardizes the selection of measurement positions, fundamentally eliminating measurement point displacement and angular deviations caused by human operation, and significantly improving the accuracy of measurement points. Secondly, by designing a sophisticated coordinate measuring machine (CMM) programming scheme, operations that might otherwise be affected by human factors are transformed into a programmed automated process. During the actual measurement phase, simply calling the pre-set measurement program ensures that each measurement is performed at a predetermined location. This method of locking the measurement position greatly enhances the reliability and reproducibility of the measurement results. Furthermore, leveraging the automation characteristics of the CMM, not only is the accuracy of a single measurement significantly improved, but the overall measurement efficiency is also greatly enhanced. This allows for the maximum maintenance of measurement consistency and accuracy in repetitive testing or mass production inspection, thereby effectively guaranteeing the rigor and stability of product quality control.

[0077] Example 2

[0078] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 7 A block diagram of an exemplary computer device 12 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present invention is shown. Figure 7 The computer device 12 shown is merely an example and should not impose any limitation on the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0079] like Figure 7As shown, the computer device 12 is represented in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of the computer device 12 may include, but are not limited to: one or more processors or processing units 16, system memory 28, and a bus 18 connecting different system components (including system memory 28 and processing unit 16).

[0080] Bus 18 represents one or more of several bus architectures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, a graphics acceleration port, a processor, or a local bus using any of the various bus architectures. For example, these architectures include, but are not limited to, the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, the Micro Channel Architecture (MAC) bus, the Enhanced ISA bus, the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0081] Computer device 12 typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. These media can be any available media that can be accessed by computer device 12, including volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

[0082] System memory 28 may include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and / or cache memory 32. Computer device 12 may further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, storage system 34 may be used to read and write non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media (…). Figure 7 Not shown; usually referred to as a "hard drive"). Although Figure 7 Not shown, a disk drive for reading and writing to a removable non-volatile disk (e.g., a "floppy disk") and an optical disk drive for reading and writing to a removable non-volatile optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other optical media) may be provided. In these cases, each drive may be connected to bus 18 via one or more data media interfaces. Memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules configured to perform the functions of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0083] A program / utility 40 having a set (at least one) of program modules 42 may be stored, for example, in memory 28. Such program modules 42 include—but are not limited to—an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each or some combination of these examples may include an implementation of a network environment. Program modules 42 typically perform the functions and / or methods described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0084] The computer device 12 can also communicate with one or more external devices 14 (e.g., keyboard, pointing device, display 24, etc.), and with one or more devices that enable a user to interact with the computer device 12, and / or with any device that enables the computer device 12 to communicate with one or more other computing devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.). This communication can be performed via the input / output (I / O) interface 22. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display 24 of the computer device 12 is not an independent entity, but is embedded in a mirror, so that when the display surface of the display 24 is not displayed, the display surface of the display 24 and the mirror surface visually blend together. Moreover, the computer device 12 can also communicate with one or more networks (e.g., local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and / or public networks, such as the Internet) via the network adapter 20. As shown, the network adapter 20 communicates with other modules of the computer device 12 via the bus 18. It should be understood that, although not shown in the figure, other hardware and / or software modules may be used in conjunction with computer device 12, including but not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data backup storage systems.

[0085] The processing unit 16 executes various functional applications and data processing by running programs stored in the system memory 28, such as implementing a method for measuring the flange height of an outer body panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Example 3

[0087] Embodiment 3 of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. When the program is executed by a processor, it implements a method for measuring the flange height of an exterior body panel as provided in all embodiments of the present application.

[0088] Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be used. A computer-readable medium can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this document, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that can be used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0089] Computer-readable signal media may include data signals propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying computer-readable program code. Such propagated data signals may take various forms, including—but not limited to—electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. Computer-readable signal media may also be any computer-readable medium other than computer-readable storage media, capable of transmitting, propagating, or transmitting programs for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0090] The program code contained on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including—but not limited to—wireless, wire, optical fiber, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0091] Computer program code for performing the operations of this invention can be written in one or more programming languages ​​or a combination thereof, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, and C++, as well as conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as "C" or similar programming languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In cases involving remote computers, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network—including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)—or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0092] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for measuring the flange height of an exterior body panel, characterized in that, Specifically, the steps include the following: Step 1: Create measurement points, including: A1. Extract the flange edge curve and the curves on both sides of the R-angle of the outer body panel and perform offset processing; A2. Create a cross-section around the flange; A3. Use cross sections to divide the curve into intersection points and find the theoretical intersection points in space; A4. Output measurement points; Step 2: Program using METROLOG software; B1. Import the digital model and measurement points of the vehicle body exterior panels; B2. Define the measurement sequence of the obtained measurement points, and then perform the measurements; B3. Construct a straight line based on the measured values ​​of the measurement points and find the intersection point; B4. Evaluate the flange length and output the measurement result report; Step A1 specifically includes the following: A11. Import the digital model of the vehicle body exterior panel to be measured into the CATIA design software; A12. Insert a set of geometric shapes, and use the join command to extract and join the flange edge curve and the curves on both sides of the R-angle in sequence. A13. Use the parallel curve command to construct offset curves by offsetting 1mm upward along the edge curve of the flange, 1mm downward along the tangent line at the lower end of the flange R-corner, 1mm inward along the tangent line at the upper end of the flange R-corner, and 6mm inward. Select the product surface as the support surface to generate a total of 4 curves. Step A3 specifically includes the following: A31. Use the intersection command to intersect the cross section generated in step A2, the flange edge line, and the four curves generated in step A1, resulting in 5 intersection points on each cross section; A32. Construct a straight line using the two intersection points of the same side end faces. The theoretical spatial intersection point PNTX can be obtained through the two intersecting straight lines. A33. Repeat step A32 to construct straight lines along the circumference of the part for all cross-sectional positions, and find the theoretical intersection points in space. B2. Define the measurement sequence of the obtained measurement points, and then perform the measurements; The program learns itself by creating a new program, and then uses the geometric point definition command to define the spatial theoretical intersection point PNT X in the software's 3D window; other measurement points are defined in the order of PNT ABCDE, with E defined as the edge measurement point and ABCD as the surface measurement point; finally, the surface point measurement command is used to measure the measurement points ABCDE. B3. Construct a straight line based on the measured values ​​of the measurement points and find the intersection point; Use the Construct Line command to construct a line, select points A and B as line 1, and C and D as line 2. Use the Construct Point command to find the intersection of the lines. B4. Evaluate the flange length and output the measurement result report; Using the Evaluation Distance command, click on the element, select E (datum element), select PNT (X), evaluate the actual length between the two points, and assign tolerances to finally obtain the measurement result of the flange height at this location.

2. The method for measuring the flange height of an exterior body panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In step A2, use the copy command to construct the cross-section at a measurement interval of 80mm, and increase the spacing at key dimensional locations.

3. The method for measuring the flange height of an exterior body panel as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The two sides of the sharp corner are spaced 30mm apart.

4. The method for measuring the flange height of an exterior body panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In step A4, hide the digital model of the vehicle body exterior panels and all the curves obtained from the construction, and output all spatial theoretical intersections in IGS format.

5. A computer device, characterized in that, The device includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the program to implement a method for measuring the flange height of an exterior body panel as described in any one of claims 1-4.

6. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements a method for measuring the flange height of an exterior body panel as described in any one of claims 1-4.

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