Contactor-Based Inner Diameter Measurement With Digital Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inner diameter measurement methods using industrial robots face challenges such as difficulty in precise positioning, susceptibility to electromagnetic noise, and potential damage from galling, especially when measuring holes of varying diameters in mass-produced workpieces.
Innovation Solution
An inner diameter measuring apparatus with at least two contactors and a data conversion and transmission part that converts analog data into digital data, allowing for accurate measurement even in noisy environments, and includes a connecting part to reduce damage and facilitate smooth insertion into holes of varying diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a measuring part is inserted into a workpiece hole for measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the risk of damage due to galling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a guide part with a larger diameter than the measuring part. This guide part leads the way during insertion, cushioning the impact and reducing the risk of galling between the measuring part and the workpiece hole, while still enabling accurate measurement
2Measurement precision
If the measuring part is made smaller than the workpiece inner diameter for accurate measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the difficulty of precise positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measuring apparatus into two functional parts: a guide part with larger diameter for easy positioning and insertion, and a measuring part with smaller diameter for accurate measurement. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally
3Measurement precision
If an air micrometer is used for measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but susceptibility to electromagnetic noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the air micrometer's pneumatic measurement system with a mechanical contactor-based measurement system. The contactors physically contact the workpiece inner wall and convert displacement into electrical signals, providing immunity to electromagnetic noise while maintaining measurement capability
4Measurement precision
If contactors are pressed against the workpiece inner wall for measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the force required increases insertion difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The guide part provides beforehand cushioning during insertion, absorbing the impact force and reducing the need for excessive insertion force. This allows the contactors to gently contact the workpiece inner wall for accurate measurement without requiring high insertion force
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
Enables stable and highly accurate inner diameter measurement of workpieces with varying diameters, reducing the risk of damage and electromagnetic interference, and facilitating efficient, unattended measurement of mass-produced parts.
Implementation Method 1
a data conversion and transmission part configured to convert the analog data into digital data representing the inner diameter of the hole and transmit the digital data to the outside
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an inner diameter measuring apparatus that can obtain an accurate measurement result, while being mounted on a robot arm even in an environment in which large electromagnetic noise occurs. An inner diameter measuring apparatus is mounted on a tip part of a robot arm in a detachable manner to measure an inner diameter of a hole formed in a workpiece. The inner diameter measuring apparatus includes at least two contactors and a data conversion and transmission part. The at least two contactors are in contact with an inner wall face of the hole formed in the workpiece. The data conversion and transmission part converts analog data about displacements of the at least two contactors into digital data representing the inner diameter of the hole and transmits the digital data to an external device.