Cutting Tool Diameter Measurement Without Central Axis Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring arrangements for workpiece diameters in metal cutting are limited, as they often require central axis mounting, occupy significant space, and are not suitable for measuring external or inner diameters during turning processes.

Innovation Solution

A measuring arrangement that integrates a cutting tool with a distance measuring device and processor to determine workpiece diameters by measuring distances along a non-central axis direction, allowing for accurate determination of both outer and inner diameters without direct measurement, and enabling integration into various machining tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the sensor is arranged at the central axis of the tool to measure the hole radius directly, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and the space occupied in the tool reduces the possibility to incorporate other components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from direct radial measurement at the central axis to indirect measurement via circumferential distance measurement. The sensor measures distance along a measurement direction that is offset from the central axis, and the processor calculates the diameter based on this indirect measurement combined with known geometric relationships, thereby avoiding the need for central axis mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The processor acts as an intermediary that transforms the indirect distance measurement into a diameter value. Instead of directly measuring the diameter or radius, the system uses the processor to calculate the diameter based on the measured distance, the measurement direction, the reference position, and the measurement position, thereby achieving precise measurement without complex central axis arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the measuring arrangement is integrated in a cutting tool for measuring the diameter of a machined hole, then the productivity is improved, but the adaptability decreases as it is not suitable for measuring external diameter during turning process

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring arrangement is designed with universal applicability by using indirect distance measurement rather than direct radial measurement. The sensor and processor combination can measure both internal diameters of machined holes and external diameters of workpieces during turning processes, as the measurement method is not constrained to central axis positioning and can be applied to various workpiece geometries.

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

3Measurement precision

If the sensor takes up a lot of space at the central axis region, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the area of the tool available for other components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidarea of tool
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement function is relocated from the central axis region to an offset position where the sensor measures distance along a measurement direction that does not require central axis mounting. This spatial reconfiguration allows the sensor to be positioned in available tool space while maintaining measurement precision through indirect measurement and computational processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This solution allows for flexible and accurate measurement of workpiece diameters in various machining applications, including during turning processes, without the need for central axis mounting, enhancing measurement precision and tool efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a distance measuring device arranged to the cutting tool for measuring a distance to a measurement point on a surface of the workpiece structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3686548B1Method and arrangment for measuring diameter of workpiece
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 SANDVIK COROMANT
  • EP3686548B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3686548B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C
  • EP3686548B1 patent drawingFigure 3D~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a measuring arrangement (1) for determining a diameter (d) of a workpiece structure (4) having a central axis (CA). The measuring arrangement comprises a tool (2) including an edge adapted to contact the workpiece structure, a distance measuring device (5) for measuring a distance (x) to a measurement point (16) on a surface of the workpiece structure (4), and a processor (6) operatively coupled to the distance measuring device (5) for determining the diameter (d) of the workpiece structure (4) in a cross-section which extends through the measurement point (16) and is perpendicular to the central axis (CA). The tool (2) is arrangeable at a reference position (13) in which the edge is located at a known position in relation to an engagement point (15) on the surface of the workpiece structure (4), and the distance measuring device (5) is configured to measure the distance (x) along a measurement direction (MD) from a measurement position (14) to the measurement point (16) on the surface. The measurement point (16) is spaced from the engagement point (15) in a circumferential direction of the surface, and the processor (6) is configured to receive a distance measurement signal from the distance measuring device (5) and determine the diameter on basis of the measured distance (x), the measurement direction (MD), the reference position (13) and the measurement position (14). The invention also relates to a tool for use in such measuring arrangement, a method for determining a diameter of a workpiece structure, and a computer program for performing the method.