Grinding Machine Measuring Head with Dual Probes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools, particularly grinding machines, face challenges in achieving precise and flexible in-process measurements due to complex measuring device structures and calibration requirements, which can lead to inaccuracies and increased setup times, especially when measuring eccentric workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring a measuring head with two probes having a fixed base distance, where the tool unit is moved along the infeed axis to compensate for oversize, allowing for combined absolute and relative measurements, reducing machine-side inaccuracies and simplifying calibration, enabling flexible measurement configurations for various workpiece diameters without the need for multiple measuring heads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex linkage structure with multiple measuring probes is used to achieve precise in-process measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex linkage structures and reduces it to a single measuring probe. The probe is guided directly by the tool support without intermediate linkage elements, eliminating sources of error while maintaining measurement capability. This extraction principle resolves the contradiction by removing unnecessary complexity while preserving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with a direct measurement approach where the measuring probe is mounted on the tool support and moves with it. This substitution eliminates mechanical errors from linkages, levers, and multiple moving parts, achieving high measurement precision with minimal device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measuring heads with different probe configurations are provided for various workpiece dimensions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal measuring probe that can measure various workpiece dimensions without requiring different probe configurations. The single probe is guided by the tool support's movement, allowing it to adapt to different measurement scenarios. This universality principle resolves the contradiction by enabling one measuring system to perform multiple measurement functions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized measuring heads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic measurement approach where the measuring probe's position is determined by the real-time position of the tool support. This dynamic coupling allows the same probe to measure different dimensions by simply moving to different positions, providing adaptability without requiring physical reconfiguration or multiple probes.
3Measurement precision
If precise alignment and calibration of measuring probes are performed for each measurement task, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring probe performs self-alignment through its direct coupling with the tool support. As the tool support moves to its programmed position, the probe automatically assumes the correct measurement position without requiring manual alignment or calibration. This self-service principle resolves the contradiction by eliminating time-consuming setup procedures while maintaining measurement precision through the inherent accuracy of the tool support positioning system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback from the tool support's position sensing system to automatically determine the measuring probe's position. The control system uses the known position of the tool support to calculate and compensate for any deviations, enabling precise measurement without manual calibration. This feedback mechanism eliminates setup time while preserving measurement accuracy.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine tool, in particular a grinding machine, and to a method for measuring a workpiece, in particular a workpiece diameter, in a machine tool, in particular a grinding machine, which has a workpiece holder (14), a tool unit (28), a measuring device (48) and a control device (56) which is couplable to the measuring device (48) and the tool unit (28), wherein the measuring device (48) is held on the tool unit (28) and has at least two measuring sensors (66, 68), wherein in one measuring configuration the at least two measuring sensors (66, 68) are at a base distance (86) from one another which defines a measuring range (78), wherein the base distance (86) is selected to be greater than a known reference dimension (84) of a reference workpiece, wherein the control device (56) is designed to control the scanning of the workpiece such that first of all a first measuring sensor (66) of the at least two measuring sensors (66, 68) travels along the infeed axis (70) until a measurement can take place and subsequently the workpiece is probed on the opposite side by a second measuring sensor (68) of the at least two measuring sensors (66, 68), in that the tool unit travels in a corresponding manner along the infeed axis (70), wherein the control device (56) is designed to capture values detected at the at least two measuring sensors (66, 68), to capture an actual position of the tool unit (28) and to determine an actual distance (100) of the workpiece, in particular an actual diameter, on the basis of a travel length (98) of the tool unit (28) during the probing of a workpiece (96) which has been introduced into the measuring range (78), taking the reference dimension (84) and/or the base distance (86) into account.