Hole Drilling Alignment Using Local Geometry Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing multi-dimensional components in gas turbine engines face challenges with large and complex parts, as metrological measurements result in large, slow-to-process digital files that are difficult to store and manage, leading to inefficiencies in hole drilling precision.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilizes a workpiece geometry measuring device to scan limited regions of the workpiece, using scan lines with data points and spacings based on hole geometry, determining actual positions and orientations for drilling, and employing a system controller to align nominal and actual geometries for precise hole drilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the entire workpiece is scanned using a workpiece geometry measuring device, then complete geometric data is obtained for accurate hole drilling, but large digital files are generated that are slow to process and difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the workpiece scanning into multiple regions of interest rather than scanning the entire workpiece. Each region is scanned independently with appropriate scan line spacing and data point density tailored to the specific geometric features present, reducing overall data volume while maintaining measurement precision for critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different scanning densities and data point spacings to different regions based on their geometric complexity and importance. High-precision scanning with closer data points is applied to regions containing holes and critical features, while lower-density scanning is used in less critical areas, optimizing both precision and processing efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If scan line spacing and data point spacing are reduced for higher measurement precision, then hole position accuracy improves, but digital file size increases and processing becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable scan line spacing and data point spacing based on local geometric requirements. Regions containing holes and critical features use finer spacing for high precision, while other regions use coarser spacing, maintaining manufacturing precision where needed while improving overall processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies high-density scanning only to the extent necessary for accurate hole location and orientation determination, rather than uniformly across the entire workpiece. This partial application of high-precision scanning maintains hole position accuracy while reducing unnecessary data collection and processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of and system (20) for drilling holes in a workpiece. The method includes: providing a nominal file representation of the workpiece; identifying a workpiece region having a hole using the nominal file, wherein the nominal file provides a nominal position and orientation for the hole; using a workpiece geometry measuring device (24) to scan the workpiece region, the scanning produces a scan lines that include a plurality of data points spaced apart by a data point spacing that is a function of the geometry of the hole, and wherein the scan lines are spaced apart from one another by a scan line spacing that is a function of the geometry of the hole; using the nominal position and orientation of the hole and the scan line data points to determine an actual position and orientation for the hole; and drilling the hole using the determined actual position and orientation.