Measurement Machine Validation Using Reference Part Tolerances
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for validating measurement machines are not adequately refined to account for changes in manufacturing processes and wear and tear, leading to suboptimal inspection accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a reference part with multiple validation measurements, including a first and second tolerance, to measure and compare errors, issuing a validation signal for inspection measurements on production parts when the error is within the second tolerance, ensuring the measurement machine's accuracy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing validation methods are used, then the validation process is simple, but measurement accuracy and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The validation process is segmented into multiple distinct measurement steps (first measurement with first tolerance, second measurement with second tolerance) rather than a single validation step. This segmentation allows for more comprehensive accuracy verification while maintaining a structured, manageable process flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs preliminary validation measurements on a reference part before authorizing production inspections. By conducting these preliminary measurements with different tolerances, the system ensures measurement accuracy is verified in advance, preventing inaccurate measurements during actual production inspection.
2Reliability
If measurement machines are used without rigorous validation, then productivity is maintained, but reliability of inspection results deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation measurements on a reference part before authorizing production inspections. This preliminary action ensures measurement reliability is established in advance, allowing rapid authorization decisions that maintain productivity while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The validation process provides feedback by comparing measurement values against nominal values and tolerances. This feedback mechanism determines whether the measurement machine is authorized for production inspections, creating a reliable gatekeeping process that maintains both inspection reliability and productivity through clear authorization criteria.
3Measurement precision
If single-tolerance validation is used, then the validation process is quick, but measurement error detection capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The validation process is divided into segmented measurement steps, each with specific tolerance criteria. The first measurement checks general accuracy while the second measurement with tighter tolerance verifies precision. This segmentation enables comprehensive error detection across different measurement ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes the tolerance parameter between measurement steps (first tolerance vs. second tolerance) to detect different types of measurement errors. By varying the tolerance parameter, the system can identify errors that would be missed with a single fixed tolerance threshold.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for validating a measurement machine. A group of validation measurements associated with a reference part is obtained. The group of validation measurements includes at least a first measurement associated with a first tolerance and a second measurement associated with a second tolerance, the second tolerance being smaller than the first tolerance. A dimension of the reference part associated with the first measurement is measured to obtain a measurement value. The measurement value is compared to a nominal value associated with the first measurement to obtain a measurement error. The measurement error is compared to the second tolerance associated with the second measurement. When the measurement error is less than the second tolerance, a validation signal is issued to the measurement machine.