Grinding Machine Optical Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grinding machines either risk damaging workpieces during contact or are limited to conductive materials, as they rely on manual judgment or electrical contact for determining the vertical distance between the grinding wheel and the workpiece.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a vertically movable microscope with a CCD camera and image processor to measure the vertical distance based on image sharpness, allowing for accurate and non-damaging measurement of both workpieces and chuck surfaces, regardless of conductivity, and enabling semi-automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a grinding wheel is manually brought into contact with a workpiece to determine the zero point, then the operator can judge contact by feeling, but the grinding wheel may damage the workpiece when it comes into contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based zero point determination with an optical measurement system. A microscope positioned near the grinding wheel surface uses image processing to detect the vertical distance to the workpiece without mechanical contact, eliminating workpiece damage while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical measurement system (microscope + image processor) between the grinding wheel and workpiece. This intermediary measures the vertical distance optically, allowing the operator to determine the zero point without direct mechanical contact that could cause damage
2Extent of automation
If a grinding wheel is automatically brought into contact with a workpiece using electrical conductivity detection, then contact can be detected automatically, but it can be used only when both the grinding wheel and the workpiece are electrically conductive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical conductivity-based automatic detection with an optical measurement system. The microscope and image processor detect the vertical distance optically, enabling automatic operation without requiring electrical conductivity, thus expanding versatility to non-conductive materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical conductivity to optical properties. By measuring the vertical distance through optical means rather than electrical contact, the system maintains automatic operation capability while becoming applicable to both conductive and non-conductive materials
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
Enables precise and safe measurement of vertical distances without damaging workpieces or chuck surfaces, facilitating accurate grinding operations on both conductive and non-conductive materials, and improving the accuracy of NC device-controlled processes.
Implementation Method 1
a CCD camera configured to take an image viewed through the microscope
Implementation Method 2
the image processor is adapted to measure the vertical distance between the reference plane of the microscope and the object of the microscope based on sharpness of the image, which corresponds to how clear the microscope is focused
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a grinding machine for grinding a workpiece, which has been set on a chuck top surface, by moving a rotating grinding wheel in relation to the workpiece. The grinding machine includes: a microscope configured to be vertically movable; a CCD camera configured to take an image viewed through the microscope; and an image processor configured to process the image taken by the CCD camera to measure a vertical distance between a reference plane of the microscope and an object of the microscope. The image processor is adapted to measure the vertical distance between the reference plane of the microscope and the object of the microscope based on sharpness of the image, which corresponds to how clear the microscope is focused.