Cutting Edge Measurement Using Spherical Sensor Rolling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for acquiring geometric data from cutting edges of machining tools are prone to measurement errors, especially when cutting edges have defects or are radially offset, leading to inaccurate machining results due to the complexity and time-consuming nature of direct scanning processes.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines at least three surface points on the cutting edge, calculates the cutting edge plane, and accounts for the target contour curve to precisely record the cutting edge geometry, allowing for reliable and efficient data acquisition using tactile or optical measurements with a spherical sensor, and employs two modes (processing and forehead) to handle different cutting edge orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If direct scanning of the cutting edge contour is performed, then measurement data can be acquired, but measurement errors occur when cutting edges have defects or are radially offset

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary spherical sensor that rolls along the cutting edge instead of directly scanning the cutting edge contour. This spherical intermediary absorbs radial offsets and defects by rolling motion, transferring only the essential geometric information to the measurement system, thereby eliminating measurement errors caused by edge irregularities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex CNC-controlled mechanical scanning systems with a simpler spherical sensor rolling mechanism. The spherical sensor naturally adapts to radial offsets through its rolling motion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning and control systems while improving measurement reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If complex CNC-controlled machine kinematics are used for scanning, then cutting edge data can be acquired, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata acquisition accuracyVSAvoidscanning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex CNC-controlled mechanical scanning kinematics with a simple spherical sensor rolling mechanism. The spherical sensor naturally follows the cutting edge geometry through its rolling motion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning systems and reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct contour scanning to spherical sensor rolling path tracking. By measuring the rolling path of the spherical sensor instead of directly scanning the cutting edge contour, the system simplifies the measurement process and reduces device complexity while maintaining accurate data acquisition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If direct scanning with sensitive measuring tips is used, then precise cutting edge data can be obtained, but the process is sensitive to defects and requires complex positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting edge measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a spherical sensor as an intermediary between the measurement system and the cutting edge. This spherical intermediary is not sensitive to defects because it rolls along the edge rather than contacting it at a single point, simplifying the measurement process while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of positioning the measuring sensor precisely at the cutting edge (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using a spherical sensor that naturally adapts to the cutting edge position through rolling motion. This eliminates the need for precise positioning while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP2799811B1Method for measuring cutters arranged on a cutter support and device for the same
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 VOLLMER WERKE MASCHFAB GMBH
  • EP2799811B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2799811B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2799811B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3d

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for acquiring geometric data of cutting edges (26) of a machining tool arranged on a cutting edge carrier (22), wherein the geometric data are used for cutting edge machining, in particular for sharpening the cutting edges (26), wherein the cutting edge carrier (22) has an axis of rotation (R) about which the cutting edge carrier (22) can be rotated for machining workpieces, wherein a plurality of substantially planar cutting edges (26) are attached to a circumferential region of the cutting edge carrier, which project from the cutting edge carrier (22) in a radial and/or axial direction and each have a clearance surface (33) pointing radially outwards and/or axially, which is bounded by a cutting edge (34), wherein the cutting edges (34) of the cutting edges (26) define a common, preferably rotationally symmetrical, circumferential surface enveloping the cutting edge carrier (22).wherein the enclosing surface maps a target contour curve (18, 18') in a section plane containing the axis of rotation (R) of the cutting tool carrier, comprising the steps of: A) Determining at least three surface points (42, 44, 46) on the substantially planar surface (30) of a cutting edge to be captured, wherein the surface points (42, 44, 46) do not lie on a common line; B) Determining a cutting plane (E) from the at least three surface points determined in step A); and C) Calculating the path of the cutting edge along the cutting plane (E) determined in step B), taking into account the target contour curve.