Chamfer Length Measurement Using Synchronized Feeler Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the length of inner chamfers, especially those at the mouth of cylindrical holes, are limited by accessibility issues and require manual, time-consuming processes, often necessitating invasive procedures or indirect, complex measurements that are not suitable for rapid, automatic assessment on machine tools.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a support frame and synchronized feelers and transducers that allow for non-invasive measurement of chamfer length by scanning the chamfer surface and inner surface synchronously, using a machine tool to calculate the distance with high precision and speed, without altering the mechanical part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual measurement methods are used for chamfers, then measurement can be performed with simple devices, but the measurement process is time-consuming and cannot be easily adapted for automatic machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an automated system comprising a support frame movable along the first direction, feelers with transducers that automatically detect positions, and a processing unit that calculates chamfer length from sensor signals. This substitution enables rapid automated measurement on machine tools while maintaining measurement capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If known apparatuses for chamfer measurement are used, then outer chamfers can be measured, but inner chamfers at the mouth of holes opening on inner surfaces cannot be accessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, allowing feelers to scan across the chamfer surface while the support frame moves along the first direction. This two-dimensional scanning capability enables access to inner chamfers at the mouth of holes opening on inner surfaces, which are inaccessible to conventional one-dimensional measurement devices.
3Measurement precision
If indirect measurements with tridimensional coordinate machines are used, then complete profile reconstruction is possible, but the process requires considerable time and complex processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for chamfer length measurement by positioning feelers to directly contact the inner surface and chamfer surface at critical points. Instead of acquiring data from a considerable quantity of points for complete profile reconstruction, the system selectively measures only the positions required to calculate chamfer length, significantly reducing measurement time and processing complexity.
4Measurement precision
If contact measuring systems are used to check inner chamfers, then measurement can be performed, but invasive procedures requiring cutting portions of the mechanical part are necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the measurement system to access inner chamfers through existing holes in the mechanical part without requiring any invasive modifications. The support frame and feelers are designed to navigate through the hole and reach the inner surface, allowing the system to serve itself by utilizing the part's existing geometry rather than requiring cutting or other harmful procedures to create access paths.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for checking the length (H) of a chamfer (7) delimited by a first surface (5) and by an edge (S), comprises two feelers (15, 25)—movably connected to a same supporting frame (20)—and respective transducers (16,26). The transducers supply signals (T1, T2) indicative of displacements of the respective feelers along mutually perpendicular directions (Y, X). A checking method includes moving the supporting frame at a constant speed so that, during the movement, one of the feelers scans the chamfer and the other cooperates with the first surface. The signals of the respective transducers are acquired and transmitted synchronously to a processing unit (40) which processes them together with information on the mutual position of the two feelers to obtain the length of the chamfer.