Gear Toothing Measurement Speed Adaptation
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical measuring systems in gear metrology often fail to fully exploit their potential due to inefficiencies in measuring time, as they do not adapt to the specific quality and requirements of the toothing being measured.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adjusting the rotational speed of the measuring spindle based on the tolerance class and geometric parameters of the toothing, allowing for optimized measuring time by using higher speeds for lower quality toothings and ensuring only necessary accuracy is achieved, which can be automated using a control system in a coordinate measuring machine equipped with both optical and tactile measuring systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the rotational speed of the measuring spindle is increased to reduce measuring time, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the rotational speed of the measuring spindle variable rather than fixed. The rotational speed is dynamically adjusted based on the tolerance class of the toothing being measured, allowing the system to optimize between measuring time and measuring accuracy for different measurement tasks. This resolves the contradiction by adapting the rotational speed to specific measurement requirements rather than using a constant speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of rotational speed based on the tolerance class of the toothing. By establishing a relationship between tolerance class and optimal rotational speed, the system can select appropriate measurement parameters for different quality requirements. This allows faster measurement for lower tolerance classes while maintaining sufficient accuracy, and slower measurement for higher tolerance classes where greater precision is needed.
2Productivity
If a fixed high rotational speed is used for all toothings, then productivity is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates for high precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rotational speed parameter according to the tolerance class of the toothing being measured. Different rotational speeds are selected based on the specific measurement task, ensuring that the measurement accuracy is sufficient for the required quality level while optimizing measuring time. This resolves the contradiction by adapting measurement parameters to specific quality requirements.
3Measurement precision
If the rotational speed is reduced to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the rotational speed parameter based on the tolerance class and specific measurement task. Rather than always using the lowest speed for maximum accuracy, the system selects the appropriate speed that provides sufficient accuracy for each measurement requirement, thereby avoiding unnecessary time loss and optimizing productivity while maintaining adequate measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method including the following steps: clamping and centering a toothing on a measuring spindle of a coordinate measuring machine; and measuring a geometry of a toothing using an optical measuring system of the coordinate measuring machine. The toothing is rotated during the measurement by a rotation of the measuring spindle. A rotational speed of the measuring spindle is adjusted and/or increased or decreased depending on a tolerance class of the toothing to be measured.