CMM Wrist Orientation Planning for Faster Complex Surface Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) face challenges in efficiently measuring objects with complex geometries, often requiring longer measurement times compared to manufacturing times, especially when using non-continuous wrists.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to efficiently measure complex objects by segmenting the object into smaller segments based on ideal vectors, aligning probe vectors with part vectors, and determining optimal wrist orientations to minimize measurement time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a CMM probe slowly traverses around a geometrically complex object to ensure accurate measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex geometric object into multiple simpler segments or features, allowing the CMM to measure each segment independently using optimized scan paths. This segmentation enables the probe to focus on critical measurement points rather than slowly traversing the entire complex geometry, thereby reducing measurement time while maintaining precision for each segmented feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating ideal scan paths and probe orientations before measurement begins. The system determines optimal measurement sequences and probe approaches in advance, allowing the CMM to execute efficient measurement routines without real-time computation delays, thus reducing overall measurement time while ensuring accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a CMM uses a non-continuous wrist to measure complex geometries, then adaptability to different measurement angles is improved, but the number of wrist orientation changes increases measurement time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by optimizing the sequence of wrist orientation changes based on the geometric features being measured. The system dynamically determines the most efficient wrist repositioning sequence, minimizing the number of orientation changes required while maintaining the ability to access all necessary measurement angles. This dynamic optimization reduces repositioning time while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by planning measurement paths that minimize idle wrist repositioning movements. The probe continues measuring features in an optimized sequence that reduces the frequency and duration of wrist orientation changes, keeping the measurement process continuous and productive rather than interrupting it with frequent repositioning operations.
3Reliability
If a CMM measures all features of an object comprehensively, then measurement completeness is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by identifying and measuring only the critical features and surfaces that are essential for quality control, rather than uniformly measuring the entire object. The system determines which local areas require detailed measurement based on functional importance, tolerances, and inspection requirements, thereby maintaining measurement completeness for critical features while reducing overall measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by performing measurements on a selective subset of features that provide sufficient quality assurance. The system identifies the minimum necessary measurement set that ensures product compliance without measuring every possible feature, thus achieving adequate measurement completeness with improved productivity through selective measurement of critical characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A method measures an object having a feature. The feature has a plurality of profiles each having a surface. The method provides a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) 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 determines an ideal vector that can be used to measure a given segment within the tolerance. The method also determines the wrist orientation in a CMM coordinate space. The method determines the ideal vector in the CMM coordinate space to define a part vector. A probe vector is determined from the wrist and probe characteristics. The probe vector is aligned with the part vector. The feature is measured.