Magnetic Calibration Block for Touch Probe Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current calibration methods for touch probes require manual handling and separate fixtures, leading to inaccuracies and inefficiencies, especially when calibrating multi-axis systems, as the calibration block cannot be colocated with the component during measurement.

Innovation Solution

A calibration block with a bored hole providing a concave measurement surface and a three-dimensional object offering a convex surface, mounted on a magnetic base, allowing secure attachment to a measurement table, enabling continuous calibration without disturbing the component, combined with a five-axis mechanical holding arm and software for precise calibration factor generation and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a calibration block with bored holes is used for touch probe calibration, then calibration can be performed, but the calibration block must be removed from the measurement table before measuring the component, leading to loss of time and reduced productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch probe calibration accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration block is merged with the component on the same measurement table, allowing both calibration and component measurement to occur simultaneously without removing the calibration block. This combines two separate operations into one continuous workflow, eliminating the time loss associated with removing and replacing fixtures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration block is positioned and prepared on the measurement table before the component measurement begins. Calibration can be performed preliminarily or continuously during the measurement process, ensuring the touch probe is calibrated without interrupting the overall measurement workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the calibration block is removed from the measurement table to measure the component, then the component can be measured, but calibration cannot be repeated during measurement, reducing measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement continuityVSAvoidcalibration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration block remains on the measurement table throughout the component measurement process, enabling continuous calibration checks and adjustments. This maintains the calibration state actively during measurement rather than relying on a single preliminary calibration, ensuring measurement precision is maintained throughout the entire measurement sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If separate fixtures are used to mount the calibration block to the measurement table, then the calibration block can be secured, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration block securingVSAvoidfixture requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical fixture mounting system is replaced with a magnetic mounting system. The calibration block contains a magnet that directly attaches to the measurement table surface, eliminating the need for separate mechanical fixtures, clamps, or mounting hardware. This substitution maintains secure mounting while significantly reducing device complexity and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If manual calipers are used to measure hole dimensions for calibration reference, then reference dimensions can be obtained, but the manufacturing precision and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference dimension accuracyVSAvoidcalibration preparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration block is pre-manufactured with known, precisely engineered hole dimensions and features. These reference dimensions are established during manufacturing rather than measured manually at calibration time, eliminating the time-consuming manual measurement step while maintaining high precision reference values for touch probe calibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution enhances measurement accuracy by allowing repeated calibration before, during, and after component measurement, improving the precision and efficiency of touch probe calibration and component dimension measurement.

Implementation Method 1

The calibration block may be mounted on a magentic base that allows the calibration block to be secured to a measurement table without using separate fixtures of the measurement table

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9952044B2Multi-axis calibration block

Publication Date: 2018.04.24 ROLLS ROYCE NORTH AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A calibration block for calibrating a touch probe includes a calibration block body forming a bored hole providing a concave measurement surface, and a three dimensional object protruding from the calibration block body and providing a convex measurement surface, wherein the convex measurement surface provides opposing measurement contact points in at least two dimensions.