Laser Scanner on CNC Tool Mount for Lateral Work Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for lateral measurement in CNC machines are slow, yield a limited number of data points, and are not easily integrated with the machine, requiring additional time to account for skew in work mounting and processing.
Innovation Solution
A time-of-flight laser scanner is integrated with a CNC machine's XYZ-translatable tool mount, using reflectors to rapidly collect over 1,000 data points by directing a laser beam perpendicular to the XY plane and translating it along axes to measure work dimensions accurately and efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mechanical gauge is used for lateral measurement, then the measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement speed is slow and the number of data points is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gauge measurement system with a laser-based optical measurement system. The laser scanner emits laser beams that are reflected by mirrors mounted on the workpiece, enabling non-contact measurement. This substitution dramatically increases measurement speed and data point density while eliminating the mechanical contact limitations of traditional gauges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular dimension to the measurement process by mounting mirrors on the workpiece at various angles and using a laser scanner that can measure reflections from different angles. This multi-dimensional approach allows rapid collection of comprehensive measurement data across the entire workpiece surface, significantly increasing the number of data points obtained.
2Measurement precision
If manual skew accounting is performed, then the work mounting alignment can be adjusted, but additional measurement time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The laser measurement system automatically detects and accounts for workpiece mounting skew without requiring manual intervention. The system performs self-alignment by measuring the actual positions of reference features on the workpiece and automatically compensating for any deviations from ideal alignment, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while eliminating time-consuming manual skew accounting procedures.
3Measurement precision
If a laser scanner is integrated with the CNC machine, then the measurement system becomes more versatile and accurate, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the laser scanner with the CNC machine's existing XYZ-translatable tool mount, merging the measurement system with the machining system. The laser scanner is mounted on the tool mount and moves with it, allowing the same mechanical infrastructure to serve both machining and measurement functions. This integration approach increases measurement precision while minimizing additional system complexity by utilizing existing machine components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated laser measurement system provides multi-functionality by enabling both machining operations and precise lateral measurements using the same CNC machine infrastructure. The tool mount serves dual purposes: positioning cutting tools for machining and positioning the laser scanner for measurement, thereby increasing system versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 significantly increases the speed and accuracy of lateral measurements, reducing processing time and improving alignment with CNC machine coordinates.
Implementation Method 1
A time-of-flight laser scanner is coupled to an XYZ-translatable tool mount of a CNC machine
Implementation Method 2
The work is surrounded by reflectors, such as mirrors or prisms, fixed to the XY translation stage
Data Source
AI summary
A system for and methods of performing lateral measurements of a work fixed to an XY translation stage of a CNC machine comprises coupling a range-detecting laser scanner to a tool mount of the CNC machine that is translatable along the X, Y, and Z axes. The work is surrounded by reflectors that are coupled to the XY translation stage, preferably parallel to the X and Y axes. The laser scanner is initially positioned at a predetermined coordinate, and its laser output is directed toward one of the reflectors. The distance from the laser scanner to the work is measured and is correlated with the laser scanner position to determine a coordinate of the work. The scanner is then incremented along one of the X and Y axes and another coordinate of the work is determined. The periphery of the work is similarly scanned, and the lateral measurements are determined therefrom.