Interferometric Bore Wall Inspection Without Rotating Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assessing bores in workpieces suffer from low accuracy, flexibility, and lack of repeatability, particularly due to subjective visual inspections, single-sided measuring systems with rotating lances, and inaccurate roughness measurements.
Innovation Solution
An optical measuring method using a light beam deflected to illuminate diametrically opposite regions within a bore, allowing simultaneous interferometric measurement of geometry and reflectivity, with a beam splitter to guide light out of the bore for precise determination of wall sections, and a sensor array to capture pixelated images without moving the lance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual inspection by magnifying glass or pocket microscope is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with magnifying glass or pocket microscope with an automated optical measurement system using laser beams and sensors. This substitution eliminates subjective human judgment while achieving high measurement precision through objective optical detection of bore geometry and surface properties.
2Device complexity
If single-sided measuring system with rotating lance is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement task into multiple independent laser beams that simultaneously measure different points on the bore wall. Instead of using a single rotating lance, multiple fixed beams capture geometric information from various angles, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation while improving measurement accuracy and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-sided measuring to multi-sided simultaneous measurement by arranging laser beams in different spatial dimensions around the bore. This dimensional approach allows comprehensive geometric characterization without mechanical movement, achieving higher precision with a stationary system.
3Device complexity
If linear or spiral measurements of individual points are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a comprehensive digital copy of the bore geometry by simultaneously capturing data from multiple laser beams at various positions. This optical copying approach reconstructs the complete three-dimensional bore structure in a single measurement state, eliminating the need for sequential linear or spiral scanning and achieving higher precision without increased device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If hand-guided roughness measuring device is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual hand-guided roughness measurement with an automated optical measurement system using laser beams and sensors. This substitution eliminates the influence of operator skill and experience on measurement quality, achieving consistent and repeatable precision through objective optical detection of surface properties.
5Measurement precision
If optical measuring systems with rotating measuring probe are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function across multiple fixed laser beams positioned at different locations around the bore. This segmentation replaces the need for a single rotating probe with multiple stationary beams, maintaining measurement precision while eliminating mechanical complexity associated with rotation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single rotating probe in one dimension to multiple fixed beams distributed in multiple dimensions around the bore. This spatial distribution achieves comprehensive geometric measurement without mechanical rotation, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
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, repeatable, and accurate assessment of bore geometry and reflectivity, providing a holistic image of the bore wall with high resolution and robustness against environmental influences, suitable for both narrow and deep holes.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one light beam is deflected in the depression in such a manner that at least two regions of the at least one wall section, in particular diametrically opposite each other in the depression, are respectively illuminated
Implementation Method 2
the determination of the geometry and/or reflectivity takes place interferometrically
Implementation Method 3
a sensor array to capture pixelated images without moving the lance
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assessing a wall of a depression, particularly a bore, in a workpiece. The method requires that a light beam in the depression is deflected so that at least two regions of the at least one wall portion are illuminated, and in that, by means of the at least two regions, reflected light is guided along the first axis out of the depression and is used outside the depression for determining the geometry and/or reflectivity of the at least one wall portion. The determination of the geometry or reflectivity is carried out interferometrically and/or wherein in each region for at least 250 pixels, at least one distance value and/or at least one intensity and/or reflectivity value is detected, and/or wherein the regions and/or the at least one light beam each has an area of at least 0.1 mm2.