Measuring Device Position Adjustment for Curved Workpieces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring devices are inadequate for accurately adjusting the position of rotationally symmetrical workpieces with curved surfaces, particularly those without a cylindrical lateral surface, as they require specialized sensors and features for alignment, which are not universally available in standard measuring devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and measuring device that utilize a workpiece carrier driven about an axis of rotation with an adjustment arrangement capable of tilting and translating the carrier to align the workpiece's axis of symmetry with the rotation axis, using existing sensors to measure points in different rotational positions and fit them into a known target geometry to determine and correct tilt and displacement, allowing for precise adjustment without additional sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If specialized sensors like autocollimators are used to determine the axis of symmetry, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxis of symmetry determination accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes standard measuring devices universally applicable to rotationally symmetrical workpieces by using their existing sensors and measurement capabilities. The method enables these devices to perform axis alignment functions without requiring specialized autocollimators, thus achieving multi-functionality with standard equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual model of the workpiece's upper surface through point measurements and uses mathematical fitting to determine the axis of symmetry. This virtual copying approach replaces the need for physical specialized sensors like autocollimators, achieving the same measurement precision through computational methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If geometric features like edges are used for alignment, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability worsens due to requirement of specific workpiece features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment process simplicityVSAvoidworkpiece type compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifically addresses rotationally symmetrical workpieces with curved upper surfaces by using point measurements on these curved surfaces. The method leverages the rotational symmetry and curvature characteristics to determine the axis of symmetry through mathematical fitting, making it adaptable to various curved workpiece geometries without requiring flat edges or specific geometric features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Measurement precision

If multiple measurement iterations are performed to achieve accurate alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxis alignment accuracyVSAvoidalignment process speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary point measurements on the workpiece upper surface before final alignment determination. By collecting measurement data in advance and using mathematical fitting algorithms to calculate the axis of symmetry from these preliminary measurements, the method reduces the need for repeated iterative adjustments, thereby improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3255378B1Measuring device and method for adjusting the position of a rotation-symmetrical workpiece
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 CARL MAHR HOLDING GMBH
  • EP3255378B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3255378B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c
  • EP3255378B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a measuring device (15) configured for adjusting the position of a workpiece (16) with a curved upper surface (17) relative to a rotational axis (C) of the measuring device (15). The workpiece (16) is brought into a first rotational position (c1) using a workpiece carrier (23). Within a measuring plane, a plurality of measuring points are recorded on the upper surface (17). The workpiece (16) is brought into a further rotational position (c2) about the rotational axis (C), and measuring points are again recorded in the measuring plane (E) on the upper surface (17) of the workpiece (16). From the recorded measuring points, the actual position (Li) of the workpiece (16) and the deviation from the predetermined target position (Ls) can be determined. In the target position (Ls), the axis of symmetry (A) of the workpiece (16) is aligned with the rotational axis (C).For this purpose, adjustment parameters, for example a tilt angle (γ) and a displacement (t), are determined and an adjustment arrangement (24) of the measuring device (15) is controlled depending on the calculated adjustment parameters in order to adjust the workpiece (16).