Blue-Laser Tool Measurement for Contamination-Resistant Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing break-beam tool measurement apparatuses in machine tool environments are prone to contamination from coolant and cutting debris due to the ingress of contaminants through small apertures, despite air ejection, and reflective devices lack measurement capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A break-beam tool measurement apparatus using a laser with a wavelength of less than 590nm, emitting a smaller, focused light beam through reduced apertures, combined with air ejection, to minimize contaminant ingress and improve measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If small apertures are used to reduce contaminant ingress, then resistance to contaminants is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in focusing light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the laser light from conventional longer wavelengths to shorter wavelengths (e.g., 405nm violet or 450nm blue). This parameter change allows the light to be effectively focused through smaller apertures, maintaining measurement precision while the smaller aperture size simultaneously improves resistance to contaminant ingress.
2Reliability
If shorter wavelength light is used to enable smaller apertures, then resistance to contaminants is improved, but device complexity increases due to specialized laser requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by selecting specific shorter wavelength ranges (405nm or 450nm) that balance the benefits of smaller aperture capability with the availability and complexity of laser diode technology. These wavelengths represent an optimized compromise that achieves contaminant resistance without excessive device complexity.
3Reliability
If smaller apertures are used to improve contaminant resistance, then resistance to contaminants is improved, but air consumption is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By changing to shorter wavelength light, the system enables the use of smaller apertures that inherently consume less pressurized air for the air curtain function. This creates a dual benefit: improved contaminant resistance through smaller opening and reduced energy loss through lower air consumption.
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 apparatus achieves enhanced resistance to contaminants, reduced air consumption, and improved measurement accuracy for smaller tools by utilizing shorter wavelength light, enabling smaller apertures and focused beams.
Implementation Method 1
a laser for generating a light beam having a wavelength of around 700nm
Implementation Method 2
an optical detector (e.g. a photodiode) for detecting received light
Data Source
AI summary
A non-contact tool measurement apparatus for use in a machine tool environment is described. The apparatus includes a transmitter (10) comprising a first aperture (46) and a laser (40) for generating light (44) that is emitted from the transmitter (10) through the first aperture (46) towards a tool-sensing region (69). A receiver (14) includes an optical detector (62) and is arranged to receive light (44) from the tool-sensing region (69). A processor (24) is also provided for analysing the light detected by the optical detector (62) to enable the measurement of tools (70) in the tool-sensing region. The laser (40) is capable of generating light (44) having a wavelength of less than 590nm thereby enabling the size of the first aperture (46) to be reduced resulting in a reduction in contaminant ingress. In one embodiment, the laser (40) generates blue light.