Coordinate Measuring Program Selection via Barcode Hub Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the production of vehicle aluminum alloy hubs, the inefficiency in calling the correct measuring program for coordinate measuring machines leads to slow measuring processes, misidentification of hub types, and potential damage to equipment, resulting in economic losses due to the manual search for programs.

Innovation Solution

A three-coordinate measuring system that uses an optical collecting head to scan graphic identifiers, such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes, to automatically acquire the product type and call the corresponding measuring program, reducing manual intervention and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual search for measuring programs is used, then the coordinate measuring machine can be operated, but the measuring efficiency is lowered and program misidentification occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasuring efficiencyVSAvoidprogram search time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-arranging the correspondence between graphic identifiers and measuring programs. The graphic identifier is prepared in advance on the product or its documentation, and the measuring program is pre-configured in the system database, eliminating the need for manual search during the actual measuring process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The graphic identifier serves as an intermediary element that connects the physical product to its corresponding measuring program. Instead of directly searching for programs, the system uses the graphic identifier as a mediator to automatically retrieve the correct measuring program through database lookup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual program selection is used, then the operator can control the measuring process, but program misidentification occurs due to small appearance differences between hub types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogram identification accuracyVSAvoidoperator experience requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a graphic identifier (barcode or two-dimensional code) as a copy or representation of the product type information. Instead of visually comparing product appearance features, the system reads the graphic identifier which contains encoded information about the product type, ensuring accurate program selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The manual visual identification process is replaced by an automated optical scanning system. The optical collecting head reads the graphic identifier and the control component automatically retrieves the corresponding measuring program, eliminating human error in program selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple measuring programs are preset for different hub types, then the measuring speed is improved, but the complexity of program selection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasuring speedVSAvoidprogram management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The graphic identifier system serves multiple functions: it identifies product type, selects the appropriate measuring program, and can potentially store additional product information. This universal approach simplifies the overall system architecture despite handling multiple product variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically selecting and loading the appropriate measuring program based on the graphic identifier reading. The control component autonomously manages program selection without requiring operator intervention, reducing the perceived complexity for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The system enables quick and accurate identification of product types, reducing equipment damage and enhancing measuring efficiency by automating the program call process, thereby improving the overall production process.

Implementation Method 1

the type collector for the product to be tested comprises an optical collecting head capable of scanning a graphic identifier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical scanning: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3650809B1Three-coordinate measuring system and method
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 CITIC DICASTAL CO LTD
  • EP3650809B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3650809B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3650809B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention provides a three-coordinate measuring system, comprises a three-coordinate measuring apparatus, and a type collector for the product to be tested; the three-coordinate measuring apparatus is provided with a probe, and a control component which controls the motion of the probe through a measuring program preset according to the product type, wherein the control component is electrically connected to the probe; the type collector for the product to be tested comprises an optical collecting head capable of scanning a graphic identifier, wherein the optical collecting head is electrically connected to the control component; the control component acquires the product type of the product to be tested according to the graphic identifier scanned by the optical collecting head, and calls a corresponding measuring program to control the motion of the probe in order to measure the product to be tested and acquire measuring data. The invention provides a three-coordinate measuring system and method, which can call a measuring program by reading and identifying a graphic identifier, and which is convenient, accurate and fast, effectively prevents man-made faults and improves detection efficiency.