Analogue Probe Continuous Scanning for Machine Tool Feature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for finding objects using probes on machine tools are slow, especially when multiple measurement points are required, as they involve discrete touch-trigger measurements that are time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The method involves an analogue probe following a predetermined course of motion that allows it to traverse across the object multiple times, collecting scanned measurement data until a predetermined criterion is met, thereby reducing the need for multiple discrete measurements and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discrete touch-trigger measurements are used to find objects, then measurement precision can be achieved, but measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical touch-trigger measurement system with an optical scanning system. The analogue probe uses optical sensors to detect surface features continuously during motion, eliminating the need for discrete mechanical contact measurements. This substitution enables continuous data collection along the entire scan path rather than only at discrete touch points, significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining precision through high-density point cloud generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous scanning measurement where the analogue probe continuously collects surface data throughout its motion path, rather than performing discrete stop-and-measure operations. The probe moves continuously over the workpiece surface, and measurement data is collected at every position along the trajectory, creating a continuous dense point cloud that reduces total measurement time while improving precision through increased data density.
2Measurement precision
If multiple discrete measurement points are taken around a feature, then accurate feature location can be determined, but productivity decreases due to repeated positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the discrete mechanical positioning and measurement approach with continuous optical scanning. Instead of moving the probe to multiple predetermined locations and taking individual measurements, the analogue probe continuously scans the feature area, capturing all measurement points in a single pass. This eliminates repeated positioning operations and significantly improves productivity while maintaining feature location accuracy through continuous data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous scanning measurement where the probe collects data throughout its entire motion path rather than performing discrete measurements at separate locations. This continuous action eliminates the need to reposition and re-acquire data at multiple points, as all feature location information is captured during the single continuous scan, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If touch-trigger probes are used for surface measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement detail and surface form accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple mechanical touch-trigger probe with an analogue probe incorporating optical sensors and continuous scanning capability. This substitution increases measurement detail and surface form accuracy by capturing continuous surface data rather than discrete contact points, while the overall system complexity remains manageable through integrated optical-mechanical design and software processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous scanning measurement that captures surface form data at every position along the scan path, providing detailed surface morphology information. This continuous data collection enables accurate representation of surface features, contours, and form variations that would be missed by discrete touch-trigger measurements, significantly improving measurement precision for surface form analysis.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for quicker detection of objects, such as the edge of a blade, by continuously collecting data until a threshold is reached, significantly reducing measurement time and improving the accuracy of surface data collection.
Implementation Method 1
Contact analogue probes typically comprise a stylus for contacting the workpiece surface, and transducers within the probe which measure the deflection of the stylus relative to the probe body
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of finding a feature of an object using an analogue probe mounted on a machine tool. The method comprises the analogue probe and/or object following a course of motion which causes the analogue probe's surface sensing region to traverse across the feature to be found a plurality of times whilst approaching the feature over successive traverses so as to ultimately arrive in a position sensing relationship with the feature so as to collect scanned measurement data about the feature along at least part of a traverse.