CMM Segment Grouping to Cut Wrist Reorientation Time
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) face inefficiencies when measuring objects with complex geometries, often requiring significantly longer measurement times compared to manufacturing times, due to the need for continuous and precise scanning along complex surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The method involves segmenting the object into groups based on ideal vectors that can be measured with a single hardware orientation, allowing for discontinuous scanning paths and skipping of segments that are closer in proximity, thereby reducing the need for frequent wrist orientation changes and optimizing measurement efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the CMM probe continuously scans along complex surfaces to ensure accurate measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The complex surface is divided into multiple segments, each associated with a specific ideal vector. The probe measures points within each segment using the corresponding ideal vector, rather than continuously scanning the entire surface. This segmentation allows the system to skip segments that are closer in proximity and have similar measurement characteristics, significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining accuracy for critical segments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the CMM probe frequently changes wrist orientation to measure different segments, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ideal vectors are pre-calculated for all segments before measurement begins. The probe is positioned at an initial location and the system determines which segments can be measured from this position using the pre-calculated ideal vectors. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for frequent wrist re-orientations during measurement, as the probe can measure multiple segments from a single position by selecting appropriate pre-determined ideal vectors.
3Reliability
If the CMM measures all segments in detail to ensure complete coverage, then measurement completeness is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system identifies and skips segments that are closer in proximity to already-measured segments or segments with similar measurement characteristics. By calculating ideal vectors and comparing segment proximity, the system determines which segments can be omitted from detailed measurement while still maintaining overall measurement completeness and reliability for critical features.
Data Source
AI summary
A method efficiently measures an object having a feature. The feature has a plurality of profiles each having a surface. The method provides a coordinate measuring machine having a wrist coupled with a measuring probe. The probe has a tolerance angle with respect to a surface normal of a surface to be measured. The wrist has a first given orientation that is adjustable to a second given orientation. The method segments an object to be measured into a plurality of segments as a function of an ideal vector that can be used to measure a given segment within the tolerance. A first group of segments that can be measured within the probe tolerance for a first ideal vector is determined. A second group of segments that can be measured within the probe tolerance for a second ideal vector is determined.