Multi-Axis Rotation Center Measurement Using a Reference Ball
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-axis processing machines face challenges in accurately measuring the rotation center of their axes due to errors from assembly, bending, and thermal deformation, leading to reduced workpiece processing accuracy and increased manual adjustment times.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a reference ball and measurement device with a probe to automatically measure the rotation center by rotating the axis, calculating the center based on the probe's movement amount, rotation angle, and reference ball position, allowing for quick and accurate adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment process is performed by operator to obtain rotation center position, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system performs automatic measurement and calculation of the rotation center position without requiring manual operation. The probe automatically contacts the reference ball, the measurement device automatically records the movement amount, and the controller automatically calculates the rotation center coordinates, enabling the system to serve itself in the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated measurement system. Instead of the operator manually performing adjustment operations, the system uses a probe, measurement device, and controller to automatically measure and calculate the rotation center position, substituting mechanical manual operations with automated measurement and computation.
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustment process is performed manually for every processing condition, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement and calculation of the rotation center position using the automated measurement device before actual workpiece processing begins. The rotation center coordinates are determined in advance through automatic measurement with the probe and reference ball, so that the processing can proceed without repeated manual adjustments for each condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from manual visual observation to automated numerical measurement. The measurement device automatically detects the probe movement amount as a numerical parameter, and the controller uses this parameter to calculate the rotation center coordinates, enabling rapid and precise measurement without manual intervention.
3Productivity
If automated measurement system is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is designed to be universal and multi-functional. The same probe, measurement device, and controller configuration can measure rotation centers for different rotation axes (A-axis, C-axis, etc.) and different reference ball positions. The system performs multiple functions including automatic measurement, data recording, and coordinate calculation, reducing the need for separate specialized devices for each measurement task.
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
Enables rapid, precise calculation of the rotation center, improving workpiece processing accuracy and reducing manual intervention time.
Implementation Method 1
uses a reference ball and a measurement device which has a probe and measures, as a measurement value, a movement amount of the probe when the reference ball contacts the probe
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring a rotation center of a multi-axis processing machine 100 includes: using reference ball 8 and a measurement device 7 which has a probe 71 and measures, as a measurement value 72, a movement amount of the probe 71 when the reference ball 8 contacts the probe 71; executing a measurement process of rotating the rotation axis to measure the measurement value 72 in a state in which the reference ball 8 installed to one of the processing head 2 and the table 62, 63 contacts the probe 71 of the measurement device 71 installed to another of the processing head 2 and the table 62, 63; and executing a rotation center calculation process of calculating a rotation center of the rotation axis from the measurement value 72, a rotation angle of the rotation axis, and a position of a center of the reference ball 8.