Automated Contact Measurement with Vibration-Assisted Workpiece Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic measuring systems are either expensive, difficult to maintain, or require significant investment, making them unsuitable for widespread use as substitutes for traditional contact-type measuring devices like micrometers and calipers.
Innovation Solution
An automatic measuring apparatus that incorporates a small-sized measuring device with a movable element and displacement detection, automated operation, and a vibration actuator to facilitate close contact between the workpiece and the measuring device at a pressure lower than the predetermined measurement pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact-type measuring devices are used for automation, then measurement stability and accuracy are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a coordinate measuring machine to capture the 3D coordinates of the workpiece surface, creating a digital copy of the physical geometry. This digital model is then processed to extract dimensional measurements, avoiding the need for complex automated contact measurement mechanisms while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact measurement system with an optical measurement system using laser scanners or cameras. The measurement is performed by capturing light reflections from the workpiece surface and processing the coordinate data, eliminating mechanical complexity while preserving measurement stability.
2Extent of automation
If non-contact measurement devices are used, then automation is improved, but cost and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a coordinate measuring machine that can measure various types of workpieces and dimensions using the same optical hardware platform. By programming different measurement routines and using universal probes or scanners, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate specialized devices for each measurement task.
3Productivity
If manual operation is used for contact measurement, then device simplicity is maintained, but productivity and labor efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated workpiece positioning systems that self-adjust the workpiece location and orientation based on previously measured coordinate data. The system automatically calculates and executes positioning movements without manual intervention, enabling continuous measurement operations and eliminating repetitive manual positioning tasks.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective automation of contact-type measurements, reducing labor intensity and measurement time while maintaining high measurement stability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration actuator that directly or indirectly applies vibration, when the movable element is brought into contact with the workpiece, to at least one of the workpiece and the measuring device
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic measuring apparatus includes a measuring device that measures a dimension of a workpiece, the measuring device including a movable element that is displaceable with respect to a fixed element and moves forward and backward to be brought into contact with or away from the workpiece, and a displacement detection part that detects a displacement or position of the movable element, and an automatic operation part that automates the forward/backward movement of the movable element by power. A workpiece holding part that holds the workpiece in such a manner that a position and posture of the workpiece is changed at a pressure lower than a predetermined measurement pressure set in advance in the measuring device when the movable element is brought into contact with the workpiece.