Multi-Spindle Probe Measurement With Deflection-Based Stop Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools with multiple workpiece holders and spindles require time-consuming sequential activation and movement of probes to measure multiple workpieces, leading to inefficiencies and potential probe damage.
Innovation Solution
An operating method where probes are held in a rest position during common traversing movements until they touch the workpiece, with deflection detection to determine termination, allowing simultaneous recording of probe positions and reducing repetitive movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If probes are sequentially activated one by one to measure multiple workpieces, then measurement completeness is ensured, but measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sequential probe measurements into a single simultaneous measurement process. All probes are activated at the same time and move together in a common traversing movement, recording positions of multiple workpieces concurrently. This merging of sequential operations into a parallel process dramatically reduces total measurement time while maintaining complete measurement data for all workpieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous useful action by having all probes active simultaneously during a single traversing movement rather than deactivating probes between measurements. The system maintains continuous measurement action across all probes throughout the entire traversing process, eliminating idle time and ensuring that every probe contributes to measurement during the movement.
2Measurement precision
If probes are moved repeatedly until all workpieces are measured, then complete data is obtained, but probe damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple repetitive probe movements into a single common traversing movement where all probes operate simultaneously. By obtaining complete measurement data from all probes in one pass rather than requiring repeated movements with sequential probe activation, the system minimizes the number of times probes traverse the measurement path, thereby reducing cumulative damage risk while ensuring complete data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by positioning all probes in a rest position before the common traversing movement and coordinating their activation timing. This preliminary setup ensures that probes are ready to measure simultaneously from the start of the movement, eliminating the need for repeated positioning and activation sequences that would increase exposure to potential damage.
3Measurement precision
If the same traversing movement is repeated multiple times with different probes activated, then all workpieces are measured, but computing effort and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines measurement data from all probes into a single unified dataset obtained during one common traversing movement. Instead of processing separate measurement sequences from multiple probe activations, the system processes one integrated set of position recordings from all probes simultaneously, significantly reducing computational complexity and data processing requirements while maintaining complete measurement coverage.
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 fast and efficient measurement of multiple workpieces while minimizing the risk of probe damage by detecting maximum deflection and ending movements when all probes have recorded their positions, thus reducing computing effort and ensuring accurate data collection.
Implementation Method 1
one position of the respective probe is relative to the respective workpiece, in which the respective probe touches the respective workpiece, so that geometric statements about the respective workpiece can be derived based on the positions of the respective probe recorded for the respective workpiece
Implementation Method 2
after touching the respective workpiece a respective deflection of the respective probe from a respective rest position is detected and that the termination condition is met as soon as the deflection of at least one of the probes reaches a respective maximum deflection during the respective common and similar movement
Data Source
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AI summary
A workpiece (3) is disposed in each of a plurality of workpiece receptacles (1) of a machine tool; a measuring probe (5) is disposed in each of a plurality of spindles (4) of the machine tool. The spindles (4) are repeatedly displaced together and in similar fashion relative to the workpieces (3) in a respective common and similar displacement movement until a respective termination criterion has been reached for the respective displacement movement. During the respective common and similar displacement movement, a position of the respective measuring probe (5) relative to the respective workpiece (3) is detected for each measuring probe (5), the respective measuring probe (5) making contact with the respective workpiece (3) or losing contact with the respective workpiece (3) at said position such that geometric statements about the respective workpiece (3) are derivable on the basis of the positions of the respective measuring probe (5) detected for the respective workpiece (3). The measuring probes (5) are kept in a rest position relative to their respective spindle (4) during the respective common and similar displacement movement, if and as long as the respective measuring probe (5) does not yet make contact with the respective workpiece (3). Following contact with the respective workpiece (3), a respective deflection (Δ) from a respective rest position is detected. The termination criterion is satisfied as soon as the deflection (Δ) of at least one of the measuring probes (5) reaches a respective maximum deflection (Δmax) during the respective common and similar displacement movement.