Measuring system

Abstract

A measuring tool comprises a C-shaped body, including a first arm with a first end; a second arm spaced apart from the first arm and substantially parallel to it; and a third arm connected to the first and second arms and arranged substantially perpendicular to them, thereby defining a cavity between the first and second arms. The measuring tool also includes a fourth arm connected to the C-shaped body at its first end and arranged substantially perpendicular to both the first and third arms. A measuring system comprises the measuring tool and a workpiece positioned in the cavity between the first and second arms.

Description

[0001] The disclosure concerns a measuring tool and system.

[0002] Workpieces, such as those formed from metal, plastic, or composite materials, can contain multiple areas of varying thickness. These thicknesses can be measured at different points along the workpiece using measuring devices such as micrometers, knives, and displacement sensors. During prototyping and research and development activities, such measurements can provide valuable information regarding metal forming processes, injection molding operations, and similar processes.

[0003] US Patent 2021 / 0 262 776 A1 discloses a displacement sensor comprising: an electromagnetic coil positioned in a first housing; a device for generating a magnetic field from the electromagnetic coil; a second housing spaced apart from the first housing, the second housing comprising dual magnetic sensors, such as fluxgate sensors, configured to measure the magnetic field; and a device for calculating the distance between the working surfaces of the housings from magnetic field measurements. A permanent magnet can be used instead of the electromagnetic coil and its associated drive energy source. Displacement measurement is achieved by a mathematical function (e.g., the ratio or the difference) of the two demodulated signals from the magnetic sensors.The displacement sensor can be mounted on a movable C-frame to monitor the caliper of anodes and cathodes manufactured for lithium-ion batteries.

[0004] US Patent 2020 / 0096308A1 discloses a sensor system comprising an eddy current sensor with at least one coil and excitation electronics coupled across the coil. An optical displacement sensor is attached to the eddy current sensor, such that a vertical distance between the sensors is defined. The optical displacement sensor is positioned above and concentrically to the coil, such that one measurement axis of the optical displacement sensor is collinear with an axis of symmetry of the coil. A computing device, comprising a processor and memory, is coupled to receive sensor data from the eddy current sensor and the optical displacement sensor. This data is suitable for analyzing the sensor data obtained when measuring a coated substrate with a coating layer on at least one side of a metal substrate, in order to determine at least one thickness of the coating layer.

[0005] A measuring tool comprises a C-shaped body, including a first arm with a first end and a second arm spaced apart from the first arm and arranged substantially parallel to it. The C-shaped body also includes a third arm, which is connected to the first and second arms and arranged substantially perpendicular to them, thereby defining a cavity between the first and second arms. The measuring tool further includes a fourth arm, which is connected to the C-shaped body at its first end and arranged substantially perpendicular to both the first and third arms.

[0006] In one aspect, the measuring tool can also include a plurality of support blocks, each spaced apart from the first arm.

[0007] In an additional aspect, the majority of support blocks adjacent to the first arm can be repositioned and configured to support a workpiece located in the cavity.

[0008] In another aspect, the majority of support blocks can be arranged on opposite sides of the first arm.

[0009] In another aspect, the second arm can have a second end that is spaced apart from the first end and the third arm.

[0010] In one aspect, the first end and the second end can each be configured for attachment to a calibrated measuring device.

[0011] In an additional aspect, the first arm can be spaced 5 mm to 100 mm apart from the second arm.

[0012] In another aspect, the first arm, the second arm, the third arm and the fourth arm can be formed as a single piece.

[0013] A measuring system comprises a measuring tool comprising a C-shaped body. The C-shaped body includes a first arm with a first end and a second arm spaced apart from the first arm and arranged substantially parallel to it. The C-shaped body also includes a third arm connected to the first and second arms and arranged substantially perpendicular to them, thereby defining a cavity between the first and second arms. The measuring tool also includes a fourth arm connected to the C-shaped body at its first end and arranged substantially perpendicular to both the first and third arms. The measuring system further includes a workpiece positioned in the cavity between the first and second arms.

[0014] In one aspect, the workpiece can have a thickness of 1 mm to 100 mm.

[0015] In an additional aspect, the workpiece can have a width of 1 mm to 700 mm.

[0016] In another aspect, the measuring system can also include a plurality of support blocks, each spaced apart from the first arm.

[0017] In another aspect, the majority of support blocks can be arranged on opposite sides of the first arm.

[0018] In one aspect, the workpiece can rest on and be supported by the majority of support blocks.

[0019] In an additional aspect, the first end can be spaced apart from the third arm, and the second arm can have a second end that is spaced apart from the first end.

[0020] In another aspect, the measuring system may also include a measuring device that is attached to the first end and the second end and is configured to measure the thickness of the workpiece.

[0021] In an additional aspect, the workpiece can be repositioned within the cavity, so that the measuring device for measuring the thickness of the workpiece can be configured at a multiple location on the workpiece.

[0022] In another aspect, a vehicle can encompass the workpiece of the measuring system.

[0023] In a further embodiment, a measuring system comprises a measuring tool comprising a C-shaped body. The C-shaped body comprises a first arm with a first end and a second arm spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first arm, the second arm having a second end spaced apart from the first end. The C-shaped body also comprises a third arm connected to and substantially perpendicular to the first and second arms, thereby defining a cavity between the first and second arms.The measuring tool further comprises a fourth arm, connected to the C-shaped body at its first end and positioned substantially perpendicular to both the first and third arms; an extension element attached to the second end and configured to extend the length of the second arm; and a receptacle defining a pocket and attached to the fourth arm. The measuring system also includes a workpiece positioned in the cavity between the first and second arms.

[0024] In one aspect, the measuring system may further comprise at least one calibrated laser measuring device configured to measure the thickness of the workpiece. The at least one calibrated laser measuring device may be attached to the extension element or arranged in the pocket. The workpiece may be repositionable within the cavity, allowing the at least one calibrated laser measuring device to measure the workpiece thickness at multiple locations on the workpiece. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an isometric view of a measuring tool. Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an isometric view of a measuring device attached to the measuring tool made of Fig. 1 is appropriate. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an isometric view of a measuring system comprising a workpiece positioned between a first arm and a second arm of the measuring tool. Fig. 1 is arranged. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an isometric view of another embodiment of the measuring tool made of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a perspective, underside view of another embodiment of the measuring system made of Fig. 3, comprising a calibrated laser measuring device attached to the measuring tool made of Fig. 4 is attached. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of a vehicle transporting the workpiece. Fig. 3 includes.

[0025] With reference to the drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same elements, a measuring tool 10, 110 ( Fig. 1 and Fig. 4) and a measuring system 12, 112 ( Fig. 3 and Fig. 5) shown. The measuring tool 10, 110 and the measuring system 12, 112 can be useful for applications requiring an accurate measurement of a thickness 14 ( Fig. 3 and Fig. 5) of a workpiece 16 ( Fig. 3 and Fig. 5) require. In particular, the measuring tool 10, 110 and the measuring system 12, 112 can be useful for quickly, easily, and precisely measuring various thicknesses 14 over an entire workpiece 16 for workpieces 16 made of metals and non-metals, such as plastics and composites. More precisely, and as explained in more detail below, the measuring tool 10, 110 and the measuring system 12, 112 can be used with various calibrated measuring devices 18 ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 5), such as a clamp measuring device 118 ( Fig. 2), a calibrated laser measuring device 218-1 ( Fig. 5), an ultrasonic device (not shown) and the like, may be compatible and may allow the workpiece 16 to be quickly and easily repositioned during measurement without extensive retooling and recalibration.

[0026] The measuring tool 10, 110 and the measuring system 12, 112 can be useful for measuring the thickness 14 of workpieces 16 made of different materials and having different sizes and shapes. As non-restrictive examples, the workpiece 16 can be made of metal, wood, ceramic, plastic, composite material, alloys, and the like, and can be any color, including black. Thus, the measuring tool 10, 110 and the measuring system 12, 112 are not limited to optically measuring the thickness 14 of the workpiece 16 or measuring the thickness 14 by contact with the workpiece 16. Furthermore, the workpiece 16 can be in sheet form, stamped, formed, cast, or otherwise processed, and can have one or more projections 46 ( Fig. 3) include, as detailed below.

[0027] In one example, the measuring tool 10, 110 and the measuring system 12, 112 can be used to measure the thickness 14 of workpieces 16 for automotive applications, such as, but not limited to, vehicles 20 ( Fig. 6), including with internal combustion engines, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and the like. For example, the vehicle 20 may be a motor vehicle powered by a propulsion power source comprising at least one internal combustion engine, one electric motor, and one energy storage device, and the vehicle 20 may include the workpiece 16 of the measuring system 12, 112. As non-restrictive examples, the workpiece 16 may be a metal, plastic, or composite body component visible to a driver, such as, but not limited to, a door panel, trunk lid, body trim, and the like, or it may be a metal, plastic, or composite component of the vehicle 20 less visible to a driver, such as a sliding plate, housing, duct system, and the like.

[0028] Furthermore, the vehicle 20 can be configured for autonomous or automated driving, in which the vehicle 20 can be controlled or driven by technology comprising hardware and software, whether remote from or on board the vehicle 20, capable of driving the vehicle 20 without active physical control by a human operator. For example, autonomous or automated driving tasks may include, but are not limited to, object and event detection, recognition, and classification; object and event response; maneuver planning; steering, turning, lane keeping, signaling, and lane changes; and acceleration and deceleration.

[0029] Alternatively, the measuring tool 10, 110, the measuring system 12, 112, and the vehicle 20 can be useful for measurement processes in non-automotive applications, such as, but not limited to, aerospace, aviation, marine, mass transit, agricultural, industrial, and rail applications. For example, the vehicle 20 can be, but is not limited to, a commercial vehicle, industrial vehicle, passenger car, aircraft, watercraft, train, trolley, bus, or the like. It is also considered that the vehicle 20 can be a mobile platform, such as an aircraft, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), boat, personal mobility device, robot, and the like, to achieve the purposes of this disclosure.

[0030] With reference to Fig. 1. The measuring tool 10 comprises a C-shaped body 22, including a first arm 24 with a first end 26. That is, the first arm 24 can be a section of the C-shaped body 22 and can extend along a first longitudinal axis 28 to form a base of the C-shaped body 22. As is best in Fig. As shown in Figure 2 and explained in more detail below, the first end 26 of the first arm 24 can be configured to receive or connect to a section of the calibrated measuring device 18.

[0031] With renewed reference to Fig. 1. The C-shaped body 22 also includes a second arm 30, which is spaced apart from the first arm 24 and arranged substantially parallel to it. That is, the second arm 30 can be another section of the C-shaped body 22 and can extend along a second longitudinal axis 32, which is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis 28, to form an upper part of the C-shaped body 22. Furthermore, the second arm 30 can have a second end 34, which is spaced apart from the first end 26. Thus, as with reference to Fig. As described in section 2, the second end 34 can also be configured to receive or connect to another section of the calibrated measuring device 18. That is, the first end 26 and the second end 34 can each be configured to attach to and carry the calibrated measuring device 18, as explained in more detail below.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the C-shaped body 22 also includes a third arm 36, which is connected to the first arm 24 and the second arm 30 and is arranged substantially perpendicular to them, thereby defining a cavity 38 between the first arm 24 and the second arm 30. That is, the third arm 36 can be an additional section of the C-shaped body 22 and can extend along a first lateral axis 40, which is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis 28 and the second longitudinal axis 32, to form a lateral part of the C-shaped body 22 and to space the second arm 30 apart from the first arm 24.

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the second end 34 of the second arm 30 can also be spaced apart from the third arm 36 along the second longitudinal axis 32. That is, the second end 34 can be spaced apart both from the first end 26, i.e., across the cavity 38 along a second transverse axis 42, which is essentially parallel to the first transverse axis 40, and from the third arm 36, i.e., along the second longitudinal axis 32. Likewise, the first end 26 of the first arm 24 can also be spaced apart from the third arm 36.

[0034] As a non-restrictive example and as further referenced Fig. As described in Figure 1, the cavity 38 can have a height 44 of 5 mm to 100 mm. This means that the first arm 24 can be spaced up to 100 mm apart from the second arm 30, e.g., from 5 mm to 100 mm, or from 5 mm to 75 mm, or from 5 mm to 60 mm. Thus, the workpiece 16 can have a thickness 14 of 1 mm to 100 mm, and the cavity 38 can accommodate workpieces 16 with comparatively deep cutouts. Therefore, workpieces 16 ( Fig. 3) with thicknesses 14 of up to 100 mm fit into the cavity 38 and be repositionable within it. Such a sufficient height 44 of the cavity 38 allows for simple and precise measurements for comparatively large workpieces 16 with varying thicknesses 14, such as formed metal sheets or other non-metallic parts with stamped or cast protrusions (generally at 46 in Fig. 3 shown), enable.

[0035] Therefore, the C-shaped body 22, which defines the cavity 38, can simultaneously provide the measuring tool 10, 110 and the measuring system 12, 112 with a stable base to support the calibrated measuring device 18 and the workpiece 16 and flexibility to quickly reposition the workpiece 16 in the cavity 38.

[0036] With renewed reference to Fig. The measuring tool 10 also includes a fourth arm 48, which is connected to the C-shaped body 22 at the first end 26 and is arranged substantially perpendicular to both the first arm 24 and the third arm 36. That is, the fourth arm 48 can be a separate section of the measuring tool 10 and can extend along a fourth longitudinal axis 50, which is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis 28, the second longitudinal axis 32, and the first transverse axis 40, to form a separate support section of the measuring tool 10. In particular, the fourth arm 48 can provide lateral support for the first arm 24 to give stability to the measuring tool 10. Furthermore, the first arm 24, the second arm 30, the third arm 36, and the fourth arm 48 can be formed in one piece, for example, from a metal such as steel.This means that each of the arms 24, 30, 36, 48 of the measuring tool 10 can be one piece, so that the C-shaped body 22 and the fourth arm 48 are a single piece or component.

[0037] As with continued reference to Fig. As described in Figure 1, the measuring tool 10 can further comprise a plurality of support blocks 52, each spaced apart from the first arm 24. Each of the plurality of support blocks 52 can have a height 54 equal to the height 54 of the first arm 24 and can be arranged such that the workpiece 16 rests on the plurality of support blocks 52 while the thickness 14 of the workpiece 16 is measured. For example, the measuring tool 10 can comprise two support blocks 52, and the support blocks 52 can be arranged on opposite sides of the first arm 24. Furthermore, the plurality of support blocks 52 adjacent to the first arm 24 can be repositionable and configured to support the workpiece 16 located in the cavity 38.In other words, the workpiece 16 can rest on and be supported by the majority of support blocks 52, so that the support blocks 52 can provide lateral support for comparatively large or wide workpieces 16 that are arranged in the cavity 38 of the measuring tool 10.

[0038] With reference to Fig. The measuring system 12 comprises the measuring tool 10 and the workpiece 16, which is arranged in the cavity 38 between the first arm 24 and the second arm 30. That is, the workpiece 16 can be positioned in the cavity 38 of the C-shaped body 22, which is defined by the first arm 24, the second arm 30, and the third arm 36. While the workpiece 16 can have a thickness 14 from 1 mm to 100 mm, as described above, the workpiece 16 can have a width 56 from 1 mm to 700 mm. That is, since the measuring tool 10 can include the plurality of support blocks 52, as described above, the measuring system 12 can support a comparatively wide workpiece 16.

[0039] With reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The measuring system 12 can include the clamp measuring device 118, which is attached at the first end 26 and the second end 34 and is configured to measure the thickness 14 of the workpiece 16. For example, the clamp measuring device 118 can have an upper clamp section 58 attached at the second end 34 and a lower clamp section 60 attached at the first end 26. In a non-restrictive example, the clamp measuring device 118 can be a vernier clamp device comprising clamps that are movable or displaceable relative to each other and a dual measuring scale designed for precise measurements. The vernier clamp device can provide a fast, immediate, tangible thickness measurement 14 without the need for software calibrations, resolution adjustments, and the like.

[0040] In other non-restrictive examples, the C-shaped body 22 can be configured to receive and attach various types of calibrated measuring devices 18. Advantageously, one calibrated measuring device 18 can be quickly and conveniently exchanged for another by simply attaching the desired calibrated measuring device 18 to the C-shaped body 22 at the first end 26 and the second end 34. Thus, thickness measurements 14 can be obtained immediately without extensive recalibration of measuring devices between measurements, saving costs and time when accurately measuring the thickness 14 of the workpiece 16.

[0041] Advantageously, the workpiece 16 can be repositioned in the cavity 38, so that the clamp measuring device 118 can be used to measure the thickness 14 of the workpiece 16 at a plurality of points 62 ( Fig. 3) can be configured on the workpiece 16. That is, the workpiece 16 can be easily repositioned in the cavity 38 to obtain multiple thickness measurements 14 along the workpiece 16 and thereby develop a map of the workpiece 16's topography. In other words, the measuring tool 10, 110 and the measuring system 12, 112 may not require the workpiece 16 to be rigidly mounted on the C-shaped body 22. Rather, the workpiece 16 can be repeatedly repositioned manually in the cavity 38 by sliding or moving it back and forth and side by side within the cavity 38. Such agile repositioning capability allows a user to quickly and conveniently obtain multiple thickness measurements 14 across the entire surface of the workpiece 16.

[0042] With reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 In a further embodiment, the measuring system 112 comprises the measuring tool 110 with an extension element 64, which is attached to the second end 34 and is used to extend a length 66 ( Fig. 4) of the second arm 30 is configured. Additionally, how best to in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the measuring tool 110 includes a receptacle 68 that defines a pocket 70 and is attached to the fourth arm 48. For example, the receptacle 68 can be located on a front face 72 of the fourth arm 48.

[0043] For this embodiment, the measuring system 112 can further comprise at least one calibrated laser measuring device 218-1, i.e., a first calibrated laser measuring device 218-1 configured to measure the thickness 14 of the workpiece 16. In particular, the first calibrated laser measuring device 218-1 can be attached to the extension element 64 or arranged in the pocket 70. For example, as best shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the first calibrated laser measuring device 218-1 can be a laser distance meter comprising a laser generator attached to the extension element 64 and configured to generate a laser light pulse in the direction of the workpiece 16. The laser light pulse can be reflected by the workpiece 16 towards a receiver, sensor, or eye, and the first calibrated laser measuring device 218-1 can calculate a distance from the laser generator to the workpiece 16 based on the time required for the laser light pulse to return to the receiver.

[0044] Similarly, a second calibrated laser measuring device 218-2 can be arranged in the pocket 70 and aligned with the first calibrated laser measuring device 218-1, which is attached to the extension element 64. The second calibrated laser measuring device 218-2 can likewise measure the distance between a bottom surface of the workpiece 16 and the second calibrated laser measuring device 218-2. A comparison of the two distances with respect to the total distance between the first calibrated measuring device 218-1 and the second calibrated laser measuring device 218-2 can yield the thickness 14 of the workpiece 16 for a given location 62 on the workpiece 16. The workpiece 16 can then be repositioned in the cavity 38 to quickly and accurately obtain additional thickness measurements 14 at other locations 62 on the workpiece 16.This means that the workpiece 16 can be repositioned in the cavity 38, so that the at least one calibrated laser measuring device 218-1 for measuring the thickness 14 of the workpiece 16 is configured at a plurality of locations 62 on the workpiece 16.

[0045] Advantageously, the calibrated laser measuring device 218-1 may not require physical contact with the workpiece 16 during the thickness measurement 14, which can improve measurement accuracy. Additionally, since the calibrated laser measuring device 218-1 requires a comparatively small footprint or window on a surface of the workpiece 16 from which the laser light pulse is to be reflected, the laser measuring device 218-1 can be used for projections 46 ( Fig. 3) be suitable for small radii of curvature.

[0046] Therefore, in summary, the measuring tool 10, 110 and the measuring system 12, 112 can be useful for quickly, easily, and accurately measuring the thickness 14 of the workpiece 16 without extensive retooling or recalibration of measuring devices. That is, the measuring tool 10, 110 and the measuring system 12, 112 are versatile, since the C-shaped body 22 is configured for receiving and attaching to various calibrated measuring devices 18. Furthermore, the measuring tool 10, 110 and the measuring system 12, 112 can be useful for capturing the thickness 14 of the workpiece 16 at various locations 62 on the workpiece 16. The measuring tool 10, 110 and the measuring system 12, 112 can therefore enable in-situ, unimproved thickness measurement 14 and verification for prototyping and research and development activities.

Claims

[1] Measuring system (12), comprising: a measuring tool (10), comprising: a C-shaped body (22) comprising: a first arm (24) with a first end (26); a second arm (30) which is spaced apart from the first arm (24) and arranged substantially parallel to it, the second arm (30) having a second end (34) which is spaced apart from the first end (26); and a third arm (36) which is connected to the first arm (24) and the second arm (30) and is arranged substantially perpendicular to them in order to define a cavity (38) between the first arm (24) and the second arm (30); and a fourth arm (48) which is connected to the C-shaped body (22) at the first end (26) and is arranged essentially perpendicular to both the first arm (24) and the third arm (36); an extension element (64) attached to the second end (34) and configured to extend the length of the second arm (30); and a receptacle (68) that defines a pocket (70) and is attached to the fourth arm (48); and a workpiece (16) that is positioned in the cavity (38) between the first arm (24) and the second arm (30). [2] Measuring system (12) according to claim 1, wherein the measuring tool (10) according to claim 1 further comprises a plurality of support blocks (52) which are each spaced apart from the first arm (24). [3] Measuring system (12) according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of support blocks (52) adjacent to the first arm (24) are repositionable and configured to support a workpiece (16) arranged in the cavity (38). [4] Measuring system (12) according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of support blocks (52) are arranged on opposite sides of the first arm (24). [5] Measuring system (12) according to claim 1, wherein the second arm (30) has a second end (34) which is spaced apart from the first end (26) and the third arm (36). [6] Measuring system (12) according to claim 5, wherein the first end (26) and the second end (34) are each configured for attachment to a calibrated measuring device (18). [7] Measuring system (12) according to claim 1, wherein the first arm (24) is spaced from the second arm (30) by 5 mm to 100 mm. [8] Measuring system (12) according to claim 1, wherein the first arm (24), the second arm (30), the third arm (36) and the fourth arm (48) are formed in one piece. [9] Measuring system (12) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one calibrated laser measuring device (218-1) configured to measure the thickness of the workpiece (16); wherein the at least one calibrated laser measuring device (218-1) is attached to the extension element (64) or arranged in the pocket (70); and wherein the workpiece (16) is repositionable in the cavity (38) such that the at least one calibrated laser measuring device (218-1) for measuring the thickness of the workpiece (16) is configured at a plurality of locations on the workpiece (16).

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