Multi-Probe Guide Rail Surface Profile Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring geometrical restraint surfaces of guiding rail parts are cumbersome, costly, and lack accuracy due to size limitations of coordinate-measuring machines, probe sticking issues with profilometers, and decreased accuracy from environmental factors like cutting oil and dust in optical measurement devices, making online testing and size optimization challenging.
Innovation Solution
A morphology measuring apparatus with multiple measuring probes on a probe holding seat, where each probe has a unique coordinate system calibrated to a common system using a standard workpiece, allowing relative displacement along the guiding rail's cross-section for precise surface profile measurement, reducing lateral force influence and accommodating different types of slide rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a coordinate-measuring machine is used to measure guiding rail parts, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device size becomes too large for online testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into multiple independent measuring probes (at least three probes) that can be distributed across the workpiece. Each probe has its own coordinate system that is calibrated to a common reference, allowing the measurement function to be segmented across multiple small components rather than requiring one large coordinate-measuring machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the dimension of spatial distribution by positioning multiple probes at different locations and orientations. The probes are arranged to measure different surfaces simultaneously, and their coordinate systems are calibrated together to form a comprehensive measurement system, effectively transitioning from a single-point measurement approach to a multi-dimensional measurement network.
2Measurement precision
If a profilometer with probe movement perpendicular to scanning direction is used, then surface profile measurement is achieved, but probes get stuck due to lateral force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement task across multiple probes positioned at different locations and angles. Instead of one probe attempting to measure the entire surface profile, multiple probes share the measurement function, with each probe measuring a specific portion of the guiding rail part. This distribution reduces lateral forces on individual probes.
Solution Approach 2:
Each measuring probe is positioned and oriented according to the specific surface profile characteristics of the guiding rail part. The probes are disposed on the probe holding seat according to the surface profiles to be measured, allowing each probe to be optimized for its local measurement task rather than using a universal probe configuration.
3Productivity
If optical type measurement device is used to measure guiding rail parts, then measurement speed is improved, but accuracy decreases due to cutting oil and dust influence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measurement methods with mechanical contact measurement using measuring probes. The probes physically contact the guiding rail part surfaces to obtain measurement data, substituting the optical field-based measurement system with a mechanical contact-based system that is immune to environmental factors like cutting oil and dust.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional friction quality test with multiple rolling ball sizes is used, then pre-loading force optimization is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of the guiding rail part surface profiles before assembly and friction testing. By measuring the actual geometrical restraint surfaces in advance, the system can predict friction quality and pre-loading force characteristics, eliminating the need for multiple iterative friction tests with different rolling ball sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces surface profile measurement data as an intermediary between the guiding rail part design and the friction quality assessment. Instead of directly testing friction with multiple rolling balls, the measurement system provides intermediate geometric data that correlates with friction performance, allowing indirect optimization of pre-loading force.
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring apparatus for measuring surface topography of the slides to be measured of a guide rail is provided. The measuring apparatus includes a plurality of detecting probe and at least one moving device. The detecting probes are mounted on a probe support according to the surface topography of the slides to be measured. The moving device shifts the probe support or the slides to be measured on the cross section of the guide rail so that the detecting probe has a displacement relative to the slides to be measured. Each of the detecting probes has a corresponding coordinate system, and the corresponding coordinate system is different from each other. A standard part is utilized to correct deviations among the corresponding coordinate systems to the same coordinate system, and then the same coordinate system as a benchmark to measure the surface topography of the slides to be measured.