Machining Measurement Calibration Validation Before Cutting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining systems face challenges in validating the operation of dimensional measurement devices, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies in machining processes.

Innovation Solution

A machining system that includes a machining assembly, one or more dimensional measurement devices, and a controller. The controller identifies connected dimensional measurement devices, determines calibration requirements, and performs calibrations as needed, ensuring that the devices are properly calibrated before performing machining operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If dimensional measurement devices are used in machining systems, then measurement capability is improved, but validation and calibration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional measurement accuracyVSAvoidcalibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dimensional measurement device performs self-calibration by automatically comparing its measurements against stored reference values in the controller's memory. The device identifies its own calibration status and executes calibration routines without requiring external manual intervention, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the calibration status of dimensional measurement devices and automatically initiates calibration procedures when needed. The controller receives measurement data, compares it against reference values, and adjusts the calibration state based on the comparison results, creating a closed-loop validation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If manual calibration validation is performed, then measurement reliability is improved, but machining productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement device reliabilityVSAvoidmachining operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs calibration validation automatically before machining operations commence. The controller checks the calibration status of all dimensional measurement devices at the start of each operation and pre-calibrates any devices that require it, ensuring measurement reliability is established in advance without interrupting the machining workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dimensional measurement devices automatically validate their own calibration status and perform self-calibration when required. This eliminates the need for manual calibration checks by operators, maintaining measurement reliability while preserving machining productivity through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If calibration requirements are strictly enforced, then manufacturing precision is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece machining precisionVSAvoidcontroller validation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse calibration requirements for different dimensional measurement devices. It universally manages calibration validation across various device types (touch probes, optical sensors) using a unified software architecture that adapts to specific device requirements without requiring separate complex validation systems for each device type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Each dimensional measurement device reports its own calibration status to the controller, and the controller automatically determines whether calibration is required based on pre-defined criteria. The system enforces calibration requirements through automated decision-making logic rather than complex manual validation procedures, maintaining manufacturing precision while simplifying system operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4535101A1Machining system and method for validating dimensional measurement device operation
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP
  • EP4535101A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4535101A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4535101A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A machining system (10) includes a machining assembly (12), one or more dimensional measurement devices (22), and a controller (14). The machining assembly (12) includes an arm (18) and a machining tool (32). The arm (18) is operable to move the machining tool (32) relative to a workpiece (1000). Each dimensional measurement device (22) of the one or more dimensional measurement devices (22) is operable to measure one or both of a position or a dimension of the workpiece (1000). The controller (14) is configured to identify the one or more dimensional measurement devices (22) connected in signal communication with the controller (14), identify a calibration requirement for each of the one or more dimensional measurement devices (22), identify whether the calibration requirement is satisfied or unsatisfied for each of the one or more dimensional measurement devices (22), and control the arm (18), the machining tool (32), and the one or more dimensional measurement devices (22) to perform a machining operation on the workpiece (1000) in response to identifying the calibration requirement is satisfied for each of the one or more dimensional measurement devices (22).