In-Line Mechanical Part Inspection with Auto-Generated Fixture Adapters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coordinate-measuring machines (CMMs) require extensive upfront programming time, skilled labor, and are not scalable for quick inspection of multiple parts due to the need for manual alignment and setup, making it challenging to inspect manufactured parts efficiently and rapidly.
Innovation Solution
An in-line automated inspection system that automates part alignment and generates fixture adapter models using stylus tip data, allowing for automated orientation and measurement of mechanical parts within a representative inspection system, reducing the need for manual intervention and speeding up the inspection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If coordinate-measuring machine (CMM) is used for inspection, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to extensive programming time and manual setup
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating alignment datums and fixture adapter models from 3D CAD data before the actual inspection process. This eliminates the need for manual programming and setup, allowing operators to simply place the part on the fixture and start measurement, thereby improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically creating alignment references and fixture configurations without requiring skilled operators to manually program the CMM. The automated generation of alignment datums and fixture adapter models from CAD data allows the system to prepare itself for inspection, reducing dependency on expert operators and increasing throughput
2Measurement precision
If manual alignment and setup is performed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases due to extensive programming and configuration time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating alignment datums and fixture adapter models from 3D CAD data before the actual inspection process. This eliminates the need for manual programming and setup, allowing operators to simply place the part on the fixture and start measurement, thereby improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical alignment procedures with automated computational methods. Instead of operators physically adjusting and measuring alignment features, the system uses 3D CAD data to mathematically define alignment datums and automatically generates the corresponding fixture configurations, dramatically reducing setup time while maintaining accuracy
3Measurement precision
If skilled labor is used for CMM programming, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for trained power users
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically creating alignment references and fixture configurations without requiring skilled operators to manually program the CMM. The automated generation of alignment datums and fixture adapter models from CAD data allows the system to prepare itself for inspection, reducing dependency on expert operators and increasing throughput
Data Source
AI summary
A method of in-line automated inspection of a mechanical part comprising receiving a mechanical part datum, orienting the mechanical part datum within a representative inspection system, and examining each face of the plurality of faces of the mechanical part datum, wherein examining each face of the plurality of faces of the mechanical part datum comprises dividing the face into regions as a function of stylus tip data. The method comprises generating a fixture adapter model for the mechanical part datum as a function of a local region of the mechanical part datum, generating a measurement of at least a pair of part geometric data, wherein generating a measurement comprises selecting the at least a pair of part geometric data as a function of the at least an alignment datum and displaying the measurement of at least the pair of part geometric data. The method comprises producing the fixture adapter.