Laser Tool Checking for Fast Multi-Edge Length Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring tool cutting edge lengths in machine tools are time-consuming, lack precision, and fail to simultaneously determine all cutting edge lengths, leading to increased measurement time and interference from coolant or material chips.
Innovation Solution
A method that expands the analog measuring range of a laser measuring system to record all cutting edge lengths in a single process by positioning the tool to completely immerse cutting edges in the measuring beam, then moving it at a constant speed to record shading signals, allowing for precise determination of cutting edge lengths using a switching point and processing stages to filter out interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the tool is moved relative to the measuring beam at a constant speed to determine cutting edge lengths, then measurement precision can be maintained, but measurement time increases and interference from coolant or material chips occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by rotating the tool at a predetermined speed while moving it through the measuring beam. The measuring system periodically records shading signals at specific intervals during the rotation, allowing multiple measurements to be taken during a single rotation cycle. This periodic measurement approach enables all cutting edge lengths to be determined simultaneously within one rotation period, significantly reducing total measurement time while maintaining precision through multiple data points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by performing all cutting edge length measurements during a single continuous rotation of the tool. Instead of stopping the tool for separate measurements of each cutting edge, the system continuously moves the rotating tool through the measuring beam and records all necessary shading signals in one uninterrupted sequence. This eliminates idle time between measurements and prevents interference from coolant or chips that would occur during repeated positioning and stopping operations.
2Productivity
If the analog measuring range is expanded to record all cutting edge lengths simultaneously, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by utilizing the temporal dimension through tool rotation. Instead of attempting to measure all cutting edges simultaneously at one position (which would require a complex multi-sensor array), the system rotates the tool and measures cutting edges sequentially as they pass through the measuring beam. The rotational position and timing information serve as an additional dimension that allows a single measuring beam to effectively capture data from multiple cutting edges, expanding the measuring range without adding multiple physical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating multiple representations of the same measuring beam interaction during different rotational positions. The same measuring beam and receiver setup is used repeatedly at different moments during tool rotation, with each interaction copied and stored with its corresponding temporal and positional metadata. This allows the system to reconstruct the lengths of all cutting edges using a single, simple measuring apparatus rather than requiring a complex array of simultaneous sensors.
3Measurement precision
If the tool is positioned to completely immerse cutting edges in the measuring beam, then measurement accuracy improves, but the measuring range must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the measuring system adaptable through tool rotation. Instead of requiring a static, large measuring beam to accommodate all cutting edges simultaneously, the system rotates the tool dynamically, bringing different cutting edges into the measuring beam sequentially. The measuring beam maintains a fixed, small cross-sectional area, but the rotational motion allows the effective measuring range to expand to cover all cutting edges over time. This dynamic approach achieves complete immersion detection for each cutting edge without requiring a large stationary beam area.
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 reduces measurement time while maintaining high accuracy, allowing for the simultaneous determination of all cutting edge lengths with improved reliability and reduced interference from environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam receiver (LE) aligned with the laser emitter (LS) for receiving the measuring beam (MS) and for outputting a shading signal representing a degree of shading of the measuring beam (MS) when the rotating tool (WZG) is scanned by the measuring beam (MS)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for checking a tool using a device with a light emitter for emitting a beam in order to scan the tool and with a beam receiver for receiving the beam and for outputting a shadow signal and using an analysis device for processing the shadow signal. The method has the steps of rotating the tool; moving the tool until a starting position is reached in which the blade is immersed into the beam and produces a shadow such that a threshold of a range of the analysis device is reached or undershot; moving the tool out of the beam starting from the starting position and detecting the shadow signal; and ascertaining that the shadow signal does not fall short of the lower switching threshold or exceed the upper switching threshold for a blade such that a shadow signal lies above the lower switching threshold and below the upper switching threshold; wherein the feed is determined in proportion to a measurement range depending on a transverse measurement such that a blade produces a shadow signal at different positions during a rotation, and during each rotation, the shadow signals are offset to one another in a manner corresponding to the delay and spatial change of the tool and are superimposed in order to form one shadow signal.