An array composite tube component and tooling fixture mating gap detection device and method

By using a device to detect the gap between the array composite tube component and the tooling fixture, and combining a photoresistor with a light source, the problem of measuring the axial gap of the array composite tube is solved, thus achieving precise adjustment of the axial gap and improving processing accuracy.

CN120645040BActive Publication Date: 2026-02-24DALIAN UNIV OF TECH
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510644073.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-05-19
Publication Date
2026-02-24
Estimated Expiration
2045-05-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

During the processing of array composite tubes, the axial clearance is difficult to measure, resulting in insufficient reflection of the clamping condition and affecting the accuracy of the processing dimensions and structural performance.

Method used

A device for detecting the fit gap between arrayed composite tube components and tooling fixtures is adopted. It utilizes a combination of photoresistors and a light source to characterize the axial gap through changes in the voltage of the photoresistors, providing a basis for adjustment.

Benefits of technology

It can effectively measure and adjust the axial clearance between the arrayed composite tube and the fixture surface, improve machining accuracy and structural performance, and is suitable for the clamping and machining process of arrayed composite tubes.

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Abstract

The application relates to an array composite pipe component and tool clamp matching gap detection device and method, and relates to the field of machining, and comprises an extension rod, a light source, a photoresistor, a main shaft connecting device and a control system, the extension rod comprises a first extension rod and a plurality of second extension rods, the plurality of second extension rods are arranged around the periphery of the first extension rod, the first extension rod is connected with the light source, the photoresistor is arranged on each second extension rod, the head of each photoresistor faces the central light source, the extension length of each extension rod can be adjusted, the extension rod is installed at the output end of the main shaft connecting device, and the light source, the photoresistor and the extension rod are connected with the control system. The application associates the array composite pipe axial gap with the voltage size of the photoresistor, represents the axial gap size in the array composite pipe clamping process and the machining process, and provides the basis for the adjustment of the array composite pipe and the axial gap between the clamp surface by the array composite pipe in-plane clamping device.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of machining and manufacturing technology, and more particularly to a device and method for detecting the clearance between an arrayed composite tube component and a tooling fixture. Background Technology

[0002] Arrayed composite tubes are a typical honeycomb structure, composed of a two-dimensional dense packing of individual cylindrical shell-shaped composite tubes. Arrayed composite tube sandwich structures are considered low-stiffness and difficult-to-machine structures. Arrayed composite tubes possess the following characteristics: Due to their excellent strength and stiffness properties, arrayed composite tube structures can withstand substantial loads and stresses. Compared to traditional metal structures, arrayed composite tube structures have lower density, making them widely applicable in applications requiring weight reduction, particularly in aerospace, automotive, and sporting goods industries. Arrayed composite tubes exhibit good durability and corrosion resistance, allowing for prolonged use in harsh environments. Furthermore, they possess excellent vibration and energy absorption properties, helping to reduce stress concentration and damage risks in the structure. While providing structural support, arrayed composite tubes can also reduce the weight of components.

[0003] In the actual manufacturing process of arrayed composite tubes, high precision in surface shape and surface roughness are required, necessitating machining to achieve the desired shape. The manufacturing process typically includes material preparation (including fiber reinforcement and matrix materials), fiber reinforcement preparation, material lamination, molding, curing, finishing, inspection, and testing. The axial clearance of an arrayed composite tube refers to the axial interval or gap between adjacent composite tubes. This clearance is a crucial parameter that needs to be considered and controlled during design and manufacturing. The size of the axial clearance affects the performance and function of the arrayed composite tube structure. During processing, the axial clearance of the arrayed composite tube is prone to change, and its size is difficult to measure, making it impossible to fully reflect the clamping condition of the tube. Furthermore, the presence of the axial clearance makes it difficult to effectively guarantee the processing dimensions of the arrayed composite tube. Therefore, a device for detecting the fit clearance between arrayed composite tube components and tooling fixtures is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problem of measuring the axial clearance of arrayed composite tubes, this invention provides a device and method for detecting the clearance between arrayed composite tube components and tooling fixtures. This invention correlates the axial clearance of the arrayed composite tube with the voltage of a photoresistor, effectively characterizing the axial clearance during the clamping and processing of the arrayed composite tube. This provides a basis for adjusting the axial clearance between the arrayed composite tube and the fixture surface using an in-plane clamping device.

[0005] The technical means employed in this invention are as follows:

[0006] A device for detecting the fit gap between an arrayed composite tube component and a tooling fixture includes an extension rod, a light source, a photoresistor, a spindle connection device, and a control system. The extension rod includes a first extension rod and several second extension rods, which surround the first extension rod. The light source is connected to the first extension rod. Each second extension rod is equipped with a photoresistor, with the head of each photoresistor facing the central light source. The extension length of each extension rod is adjustable. The extension rod is installed at the output end of the spindle connection device, which is installed at the output end of the spindle. The light source, photoresistor, and extension rod are all connected to the control system.

[0007] Furthermore, the number of the second extension rods is at least six, and they are evenly distributed around the central light source at a preset angle.

[0008] Furthermore, the length of the extension rod is adjustable, and its length should be at least 20-30 mm higher than the height of the array composite tube being tested.

[0009] Furthermore, the photoresistor is a sealed photoresistor, and the dark resistance and bright resistance of the selected photoresistor are both within a preset range, and its resistance variation range matches the acquisition range of the control system voltage acquisition device.

[0010] This invention also discloses a method for using a device for detecting the mating clearance between an arrayed composite tube component and a tooling fixture, comprising the following steps:

[0011] Step 1: Install the device on the machine tool spindle according to the testing requirements. During installation, ensure that the testing device does not come into contact with the workpiece to be tested. The angle of the installation device should match the angle of the array of workpieces to be processed, so that the center of the central array composite tube can accommodate the light source, and the array composite tubes connected to it and surrounding the central array composite tube can respectively accommodate the corresponding photoresistors. The inside of the array composite tube should not come into contact with the light source, photoresistors, or the extension rod connected to them.

[0012] Step 2: Move the spindle horizontally to position the detection device above the array of composite tubes to be tested;

[0013] Step 3: Move the main spindle in the Z-axis direction to make the detection device penetrate deeper into the inner wall of the array composite tube. The descent height must meet the requirement that the light source and photoresistor are higher than the preset value on the fixture surface.

[0014] Step 4: Turn on the photoresistor switch and record the resistance value of the photoresistor under ambient light conditions;

[0015] Step 5: Turn on the light source switch, record the resistance value of the photoresistor, and the control system calculates the axial gap of the array composite tube based on the change in the photoresistor value.

[0016] Furthermore, in step 1, the height of the machine tool spindle is higher than the sum of the height of the workpiece to be inspected and the height of the inspection device.

[0017] Furthermore, step 5 is followed by the following steps:

[0018] Step 6: Move the main spindle in the Z-axis direction to remove the detection device from inside the array composite tube;

[0019] Step 7: Repeat steps 2-6 to test the next array composite tube until all array composite tubes have been tested.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0021] This invention proposes a device and method for detecting the clearance between an arrayed composite tube component and a tooling fixture. This invention correlates the axial clearance of the arrayed composite tube with the voltage of a photoresistor, effectively characterizing the axial clearance during the clamping and processing of the arrayed composite tube. This provides a basis for adjusting the axial clearance between the arrayed composite tube and the fixture surface using the in-plane clamping device. This method can be extended to honeycomb workpieces requiring axial clearance measurement, which is beneficial for improving the overall processing level of the industry. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an array composite tube blank.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a front view of the device for detecting the fit gap between the arrayed composite tube component and the tooling fixture of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a top view of the device for detecting the fit gap between the arrayed composite tube component and the tooling fixture of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 This is an assembly diagram of the device for detecting the gap between the array composite tube component and the tooling fixture of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation position of the detection device for detecting the fit gap between the array composite tube component and the tooling fixture of the present invention.

[0028] In the figure: 1. Photoresistor, 2. Extending rod, 3. Fixed support plate, 4. Device connector, 5. Connecting rivet, 6. Fixing screw, 7. Photoresistor mounting plate, 8. Light source, 9. Internal tightening device, 10. Gap detection device for the fit between the array composite tube component and the tooling fixture, 11. Array composite tube blank, 12. Base plate. Detailed Implementation

[0029] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0032] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0034] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation besides the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0035] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0036] like Figures 2-5 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention discloses a device for detecting the fit clearance between an array composite tube component and a tooling fixture. The device includes an extension rod 2, a light source 8, a photoresistor 1, a spindle connection device, and a control system. The extension rod includes a first extension rod and several second extension rods, which surround the first extension rod. The light source is connected to the first extension rod. Each second extension rod is equipped with a photoresistor, with the head of each photoresistor facing the central light source. The extension length of each extension rod is adjustable. The extension rods are installed at the output end of the spindle connection device, which is also installed at the output end of the spindle. The light source, photoresistor, and extension rods are all connected to the control system. This invention correlates the axial clearance of the array composite tube with the voltage of the photoresistor, effectively characterizing the axial clearance during the clamping and processing of the array composite tube. This provides a basis for adjusting the axial clearance between the array composite tube and the fixture surface using the in-plane clamping device.

[0037] As an optional implementation, the extension rod is installed in the output end of the spindle connecting device, and the two are connected by a fixed support plate 3. The fixed support plate has threaded holes for connecting seven telescopic rods. The spindle connecting device includes a device connector 4 and a connecting rivet 5. Specifically, the upper part of the fixed support plate is connected to the device connector 4 and then connected to the spindle via the device connector 4. The device connector 4 and the fixed support plate are connected by fixing screws 6.

[0038] Furthermore, the number of the second extendable rods is at least six, evenly distributed around the central light source at a preset angle. In actual use, the lengths of the six photoresistor extendable rods are adjustable, but the lengths of the six photoresistor extendable rods should be kept as consistent as possible.

[0039] Furthermore, the length of the extension rod is adjustable, and its length should be at least 20-30mm higher than the height of the array composite tube being tested. At the end of the connecting rod, a connecting mechanism is provided that can connect to a light source or a photoresistor, specifically including a light source connecting plate and a photoresistor mounting plate 7.

[0040] In this embodiment, the light source is an incandescent lamp or an energy-saving lamp, or other device that can provide light. The light intensity of the light source should be moderate enough to meet the detection requirements.

[0041] A photoresistor is an electronic component that changes its resistance according to the intensity of light. The stronger the light intensity, the lower the resistance; conversely, the weaker the light intensity, the higher the resistance. The light transmittance of a photoresistor refers to the degree of change or sensitivity of the photoresistor under a given light intensity. Light transmittance can be represented by the photoresistor's photosensitivity curve, which is a function describing the relationship between light intensity and resistance. Typically, the photosensitivity curve of a photoresistor is non-linear, meaning the relationship between light intensity and resistance is not a simple linear one. The degree of resistance change of the photoresistor within different light intensity ranges can be understood through the photosensitivity curve. Light transmittance can be adjusted and selected according to the needs of practical applications, and the sensing technology for measuring light transmittance using photoresistors is currently quite mature.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the existing composite tubes have basically the same specifications, and the distance between adjacent composite tubes is very small. Moreover, as long as the support plate carrying the photoresistor can penetrate into the six adjacent support tubes of the support plate centered on the light source without contacting the surrounding tube walls, slight deviations will not have a significant impact on the detection effect of the device and will be within a controllable preset range.

[0043] Furthermore, the photoresistor is a sealed photoresistor, and the dark resistance and bright resistance of the selected photoresistor are both within a preset range, and its resistance variation range matches the acquisition range of the control system voltage acquisition device.

[0044] The control system includes a power supply, a signal receiving device, and a signal processing device. It provides power to the device and feedback signals. It can collect and store the voltage signal of the photoresistor change and can provide feedback on the signal.

[0045] In this embodiment, the photoelectric effect of a photoresistor is utilized. The stronger the light, the lower the resistance. As the light intensity increases, the resistance decreases rapidly, and the bright resistance can be as low as below 1KΩ. The photoresistor is highly sensitive to light; in the absence of light, it exhibits high resistance, typically reaching 1.5MΩ in the dark. When the light source within the composite tube is constant, the size of the gap between the composite tubes directly affects the light intensity received by adjacent tubes, thus influencing the resistance of the photoresistor. When the photoresistor is used in a closed loop, its voltage will change. By calculating the light characteristics of a photoresistor of a specific specification, the axial gap can be correlated with the photoresistor voltage. Finally, the size of the honeycomb clamping gap of the composite tube is obtained from the photoresistor voltage.

[0046] In practical applications, the distance obtained from the photoresistor value needs to be determined specifically for different photoresistors and different light sources. The specific formula must be obtained through specific experiments after the photoresistor and light source have been determined.

[0047] This invention also discloses a method for using a device for detecting the mating clearance between an arrayed composite tube component and a tooling fixture, comprising the following steps:

[0048] Step 1: According to the testing requirements, install the device 10 on the machine tool spindle. Place the array composite tube blank on the base plate 12. During installation, ensure that the testing device does not contact the array composite tube blank 11 to be tested. The angle of the installation device should match the angle of the array of workpieces to be processed, so that the center of the central array composite tube can accommodate the light source, and the array composite tubes connected to it and surrounding the central array composite tube can respectively accommodate the corresponding photoresistors. The inside of the array composite tube should not contact the light source, the photoresistors, or the extended rods connected to them. During installation, the first extended rod and each of the second extended rods should not enter the same composite tube as the internal tightening device 9.

[0049] Step 2: Move the spindle horizontally to position the detection device above the array of composite tubes to be tested;

[0050] Step 3: Move the main spindle along the Z-axis to allow the detection device to penetrate deeper into the inner wall of the array composite tube. The descent height must be such that the light source and photoresistor are above a preset value on the fixture surface. By positioning the device slightly above the fixture surface, contact between the photoresistor and light source and the fixture surface can cause pressure and unnecessary damage. During this step, the photoresistor and light source are in the off state.

[0051] Step 4: Turn on the photoresistor switch and record the resistance value of the photoresistor under ambient light conditions, so as to make a comparison with the resistance value of the photoresistor when the light source is on.

[0052] Step 5: Turn on the light source switch, record the resistance value of the photoresistor, and the control system calculates the axial gap of the array composite tube based on the change in the photoresistor value.

[0053] Furthermore, in step 1, the height of the machine tool spindle is higher than the sum of the height of the workpiece to be inspected and the height of the inspection device.

[0054] Furthermore, step 5 is followed by the following steps:

[0055] Step 6: Move the main spindle in the Z-axis direction to remove the detection device from inside the array composite tube;

[0056] Step 7: Repeat steps 2-6 to test the next array composite tube until all array composite tubes have been tested.

[0057] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for detecting the clearance between an arrayed composite tube component and a tooling fixture, characterized in that, The device includes an extension rod, a light source, a photoresistor, a spindle connection device, and a control system. The extension rod includes a first extension rod and several second extension rods, which surround the first extension rod. The light source is connected to the first extension rod. Each second extension rod is equipped with a photoresistor, with the head of each photoresistor facing the central light source. The extension length of each extension rod is adjustable. The extension rod is installed at the output end of the spindle connection device, which is installed at the output end of the spindle. The light source, photoresistor, and extension rod are all connected to the control system. The axial gap of the arrayed composite tube is correlated with the voltage of the photoresistor to characterize the axial gap size during the clamping and processing of the arrayed composite tube.

2. The device for detecting the clearance between the arrayed composite tube component and the tooling fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the second extension rods is at least 6, and they are evenly distributed around the central light source at a preset angle.

3. The device for detecting the clearance between the arrayed composite tube component and the tooling fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the extension rod is at least 20-30 mm higher than the height of the array composite tube being tested.

4. The device for detecting the clearance between the arrayed composite tube component and the tooling fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photoresistor is a sealed photoresistor, and the dark resistance and bright resistance of the selected photoresistor are both within a preset range. Its resistance variation range is matched with the range that the control system voltage acquisition device can acquire.

5. The method of using the mating clearance detection device for the arrayed composite tube component and the tooling fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Install the device on the machine tool spindle according to the testing requirements. During installation, ensure that the testing device does not come into contact with the workpiece to be tested. The angle of the installation device should match the angle of the array of workpieces to be processed, so that the center of the central array composite tube can accommodate the light source, and the array composite tubes connected to it and surrounding the central array composite tube can respectively accommodate the corresponding photoresistors. The inside of the array composite tube should not come into contact with the light source, photoresistors, or the extension rod connected to them. Step 2: Move the spindle horizontally to position the detection device above the array of composite tubes to be tested; Step 3: Move the main spindle in the Z-axis direction to make the detection device penetrate deeper into the inner wall of the array composite tube. The descent height must meet the requirement that the light source and photoresistor are higher than the preset value on the fixture surface. Step 4: Turn on the photoresistor switch and record the resistance value of the photoresistor under ambient light conditions; Step 5: Turn on the light source switch, record the resistance value of the photoresistor, and the control system calculates the axial gap of the array composite tube based on the change in the photoresistor value.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, In step 1, the height of the machine tool spindle is higher than the sum of the height of the workpiece to be inspected and the height of the inspection device.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Step 5 is followed by the following steps: Step 6: Move the main spindle in the Z-axis direction to remove the detection device from inside the array composite tube; Step 7: Repeat steps 2-6 to test the next array composite tube until all array composite tubes have been tested.

Citation Information

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