CMM Inspection Program Generation from GD&T Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
The programming of Coordinate-Measuring Machines (CMMs) for identical parts is time-consuming, of varying quality, and heavily dependent on programmer expertise, making automated inspection program generation inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system configured with software, firmware, or a combination thereof, generates inspection programs by receiving geometric dimensioning and tolerancing data, determining inspection directions and points, and creating transitional motions for inspection machines, thereby automating the inspection program generation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual programming of CMM inspection programs is performed, then the program can be customized according to programmer expertise, but the programming process is time-consuming and has varying quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically generating inspection programs from CAD models and GD&T data without requiring manual programming. The automated system serves itself by interpreting the design intent and creating the inspection program independently, eliminating the time-consuming manual programming process while maintaining consistent quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual programming process with an automated computer-based system. The manual operation of programming CMM inspection programs is substituted with an automated software system that processes CAD models and GD&T data to generate inspection programs, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with manual programming while maintaining or improving program quality.
2Productivity
If automated inspection program generation is implemented, then programming time is reduced and consistency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by designing a multi-functional platform that can handle various inspection scenarios, different CAD formats, and multiple GD&T standards through a single automated generation engine. This universal approach increases productivity across different inspection tasks while managing system complexity through standardized processing methods rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated generation system that acts as a mediator between the CAD model/GD&T data and the CMM inspection program. This intermediary layer translates design intent into inspection instructions automatically, improving productivity by eliminating manual programming while the modular intermediary structure helps manage system complexity through clear separation of concerns.
3Reliability
If manual programming is used, then the system remains simple and easy to operate, but the programming quality is highly dependent on programmer expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves self-service by automatically generating consistent inspection programs from CAD models and GD&T data without relying on programmer expertise. The automated system serves itself by interpreting design intent and creating standardized inspection programs, thereby improving reliability and consistency while the operation remains simple requiring only input of design data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies copying by using the CAD model and GD&T data as templates to generate inspection programs. The automated system copies the design intent from the digital model and translates it into inspection instructions, ensuring consistency across all inspection programs while maintaining ease of operation through automated template-based generation rather than manual programming.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a method of automatically generating an inspection program includes receiving input data related to an object to be inspected. The input data includes geometric dimensioning and tolerancing data for the object. The method also includes, for each of a plurality of surfaces of the object, generating at least one inspection direction and a plurality of inspection points based, at least in part, on the geometric dimensioning and tolerancing data. The method also includes generating transitional motions for an inspection machine to inspect the plurality of surfaces according to the inspection directions and the inspection points. The method also includes storing, at a destination, machine-readable code for inspecting the object according to the at least one inspection direction of each of the plurality of surfaces, the inspection points of each of the plurality of surfaces, and the transitional motions.