Handheld Manipulable Aid for CMM Workpiece Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of manually manipulating a probe on a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) can be slow and non-intuitive, especially when using motor-actuated axes, as operators do not directly interact with the measurement volume, leading to difficulties in aligning workpieces and programming dimensional metrology applications.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a manual, handheld manipulable aid with sensors and a processor to determine the position of the aid within the CMM measurement volume, allowing for direct interaction with the workpiece to gather data for alignment and creating a measurement path routine for an automated probe, which can then perform the measurements with higher accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual probe is used to directly interact with the measurement volume, then the operator's control and intuitiveness improve, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and position tracking systems
Solution Approach 1:
A manipulable aid with electromagnetic radiation reflector is introduced as an intermediary between the operator and the measurement volume. The aid includes sensors and position determination systems that mediate the interaction, allowing intuitive manual control while the system automatically tracks position through electromagnetic radiation reflection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical position sensing mechanisms with electromagnetic radiation-based position determination. The manipulable aid uses electromagnetic radiation reflection rather than mechanical encoders or tactile feedback systems to determine position, reducing mechanical complexity while improving ease of operation
2Measurement precision
If motor-actuated axes are used to move the probe, then measurement precision can be maintained, but the speed of manual manipulation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts by allowing free manual manipulation of the manipulable aid without mechanical constraints from motor-actuated axes. The dynamic position tracking system continuously updates the aid's location, enabling operators to move at any speed while maintaining measurement capability through real-time position determination
3Productivity
If a handheld manipulable aid with position sensors is implemented, then the speed of alignment and programming improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulable aid serves multiple functions: it acts as a positioning tool, a measurement probe, and a programming interface simultaneously. This multi-functionality improves productivity by consolidating alignment and programming operations into a single device, though it increases manufacturing complexity due to the integrated sensor and communication systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electromagnetic radiation reflection to create a virtual copy of the manipulable aid's position in the digital measurement model. This copying mechanism allows the physical aid to be replicated in the digital space without requiring complex mechanical linkages, improving alignment speed while managing manufacturing complexity through software-based position mapping
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
This approach enables operators to more efficiently and accurately align workpieces and program CMMs by allowing direct interaction with the measurement volume, improving the speed and accuracy of the measurement process while reducing the complexity of manual probe control.
Implementation Method 1
one or more electromagnetic radiation emitters mountable to a coordinate measuring machine
Implementation Method 2
one or more electromagnetic radiation sensors mountable to a coordinate measuring machine
Implementation Method 3
an electromagnetic radiation reflector
Data Source
AI summary
A manipulable aid which is separate and distinct from the probe of a CMM permits a CMM operator to more directly interact with a CMM measurement volume to align a workpiece, configure a measurement path, and/or program a dimensional metrology application.