Laser Interferometer Exchange for NC Machine Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine measurement methods for NC processing machines are limited in flexibility, robustness, and cost-effectiveness, with permanent laser installations prone to maintenance issues and requiring complex designs for horizontal measurements.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using the spindle change interface to exchange and align a laser interferometer, allowing for full utilization of machine axes for beam alignment, eliminating the need for deflection mirrors and enabling versatile measurements like volumetric diagnostics with existing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a permanently installed laser beam generator is used in the processing machine, then automated machine measurement is enabled, but maintenance needs increase due to exposure to harsh boundary conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam generator is extracted from the processing machine and placed on a separate movable carrier. This allows the measurement function to be automated while the laser device is not permanently exposed to harsh working conditions, reducing maintenance needs.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable carrier serves as an intermediary between the operator and the processing machine. The carrier holds the laser beam generator and allows automated measurement without permanently installing the laser in the machine, thus enabling automation while protecting the laser device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If deflection mirrors are used for horizontal measurements in a three-axis vertical machine, then measurement capability is extended, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam generator is mounted on a movable carrier that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to perform both vertical and horizontal measurements without requiring additional fixed components like deflection mirrors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the laser device is accommodated in the tool spindle, then the spindle can be exchanged, but rigidity and robustness decrease due to additional mounting interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The laser device is extracted from the tool spindle and placed on a separate movable carrier. This eliminates the need for mounting interfaces in the spindle, preserving spindle rigidity and robustness while still allowing the measurement system to be exchanged and configured as needed.
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
This approach provides high flexibility and robustness in machine measurement tasks, including volumetric measurements, while reducing maintenance needs and costs by leveraging existing machine components and axes for precise alignment and operation.
Implementation Method 1
laser interference measurements are carried out in a predetermined manner along three linear machine axes and diagonally through the working space
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention encompasses a method for measuring the machine of an NC machining center, wherein the machining center has a machine head (3) designed in particular as a fork head, wherein the machine head (3) is assigned a mechanical and electrical spindle exchange interface (10) for receiving a motor spindle, wherein a laser interferometer (11) with beam generator (12) and beam detector (13) and at least one measuring optic (15) cooperating with the laser interferometer (11), designed in particular as a reflector, are provided, and wherein laser interference measurements, in particular distance measurements, are always carried out for machine measurement and are always directed towards a measuring optic (15).It is proposed that the laser interferometer (11) has an interface (16) corresponding to the spindle change interface (10) and that for machine measurement the laser interferometer (11) is exchanged against the motor spindle via the spindle change interface (10) and aligned for laser interference measurements by means of the machine axes (4-8).