Grinding Machine Camera Alignment via Retractable Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine vision measurement systems in grinding machines face challenges due to dust and debris accumulation when the industrial camera and grinding wheel move synchronously, and misalignment issues when they move independently, which affect the precision of image acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A grinding machine design that includes two parallel linear rails for the grinding unit and camera unit, a retractable connection device allowing them to move independently while maintaining parallel motion, and a mechanism to adjust the camera's position relative to the grinding unit to avoid debris and ensure accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the industrial camera and grinding wheel move synchronously, then the structure is simple, but dust and debris accumulate on the camera affecting measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the movement control into two independent parts: the grinding wheel moves along its linear rail while the camera moves along a separate parallel linear rail, allowing independent positioning to avoid dust accumulation while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
A parallel linear rail system acts as an intermediary structure, providing a separate guide path for the camera that is parallel to the grinding wheel's rail, enabling independent movement while maintaining spatial relationship
2Measurement precision
If the industrial camera and grinding wheel move independently along respective linear rails, then dust accumulation is avoided, but misalignment occurs reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses asymmetric positioning where the camera rail is deliberately positioned at a specific offset from the grinding wheel rail, with the camera mounted at a fixed angle and position relative to its rail to ensure proper alignment with the grinding wheel's field of view
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical coupling between camera and grinding wheel with independent linear rail systems guided by parallel guides, using minimal mechanical connection points to maintain alignment while allowing independent movement
3Reliability
If the camera moves away from the grinding unit to avoid debris, then measurement capability is maintained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera positioning system is made dynamic through the retractable connection device that can adjust the camera's distance from the grinding unit, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on whether the grinding wheel is rotating or stationary
Data Source
AI summary
A grinding machine for executing machine vision measurement is disclosed. The grinding machine includes a grinding unit, an installing panel, and a first driving unit driving vertical movement of grinding unit. The grinding unit and the installing panel are slidably connected to two linear rails, a connection device connected to the installing panel and the grinding unit, a camera unit and a light source unit fixed to the installing panel. The installing panel is located in front of the linear rails. The connection device includes a case, a pushing-rod, and a second driving unit. The second driving unit drives the motion of the pushing-rod relative to the case. The case is fixed to one of the grinding unit and the installing panel, and the pushing-rod is fixed to the other of the grinding unit and the installing panel.