Flatness Measuring System Using Laser Rail on Granite Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assessing the flatness of granite plates, such as the Moody method, require complex setups and may not provide a high degree of accuracy and repeatability.
Innovation Solution
A flatness measuring apparatus comprising an elongate linear rail with a laser assembly and target assembly, which are mounted directly on the plate to be assessed, allowing for easy alignment and measurement along the lines defined by the Moody diagram.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a bar supported by adjustable legs is used to measure flatness, then the measurement can be performed above the plate, but the system becomes complex and requires sag correction measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from a complex suspended bar system and places it directly on the plate surface. The laser source and detector are mounted on separate surfaces of the plate, eliminating the need for a suspended bar structure and its associated sag correction measurements, thereby simplifying the system while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is segmented into independent components: a laser source mounted on one surface and a detector mounted on the opposite surface. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and adjusted, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to a unified suspended bar structure
2Measurement precision
If angle measurement tools such as auto collimators or electronic levels are used, then flatness can be measured according to ASME standards, but the setup process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical angle measurement tools (auto collimators, electronic levels, spirit levels) with an optical laser-based measurement system. The laser source projects a beam that is detected by the detector, providing direct position measurements that eliminate the complex mechanical setup procedures required by conventional tools
3Measurement precision
If laser interferometers are used for measurement, then high precision can be achieved, but the apparatus becomes more complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex laser interferometer systems and implements it through a simplified laser source and detector configuration. The system uses direct laser position detection rather than interferometric measurements, maintaining precision while dramatically reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to be self-aligning through the direct optical path between the laser source and detector. The system automatically establishes measurement references through the laser beam geometry, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures required by traditional interferometers
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
The apparatus provides a high degree of accuracy and repeatability in assessing the flatness of granite plates, simplifying the setup process and avoiding the complexities associated with suspended measurement systems.
Implementation Method 1
The laser source is fixed to one surface of the plate and the detector is fixed to the opposite surface of the plate. The laser source is operative to generate a laser beam that extends toward the detector.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for measuring flatness of a surface of a plate. The apparatus has a rail that is positionable on the plate. A laser assembly has a laser base mounted in proximity to a first end of the rail and a laser emitter is mounted to the laser base so that a laser beam is directed substantially parallel to the rail and offset laterally from the rail. A target has a lower surface movably positionable on the plate at a position laterally adjacent to the rail and spaced from the laser emitter. The target is configured to identify a point of impingement of the laser beam on the target. The target can be moved to other positions along the rail and flatness of the plate can be assessed by identifying differences in points of impingement of the laser at different positions of the target.