Non-Contact Tool Setting for Accurate Non-Toothed Tool Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool measurement techniques, such as the NC4 system, are not optimal for measuring non-toothed tools like grinding tools with protrusions, leading to significant measurement errors due to defects and contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A method using a tool measurement apparatus with a transmitter and receiver, where the non-toothed tool is rotated and moved relative to the light beam, analyzing variations in the received intensity signal to determine tool dimensions by setting a defined duration for threshold crossing, rather than relying on single threshold events, to exclude protrusions and contaminants from the measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art tool measurement techniques (single threshold crossing) are used, then measurement is simple and quick, but measurement precision deteriorates due to protrusions and contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring the light beam to be obscured for a defined duration (less than one complete tool rotation) before triggering the measurement. This preliminary time-based filtering action excludes transient protrusions and contaminants that would otherwise cause false measurements, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of protrusions and contaminants into a beneficial filtering mechanism. By utilizing the rotational motion of the tool and implementing a duration threshold less than one complete rotation, the system allows defective features to pass through the light beam for insufficient duration to trigger measurement, while legitimate tool features maintain proper obscuration duration. This transforms the problem of protrusions into a useful temporal discrimination mechanism
2Reliability
If measurement includes all tool features, then measurement is comprehensive, but reliability deteriorates due to defects and contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the measurement criterion time-dependent rather than static. The defined duration threshold (less than one complete rotation) creates a dynamic filtering mechanism that adapts to the rotational speed of the tool. This dynamic approach improves reliability by automatically excluding transient defects while maintaining adaptability across different tool types and rotation speeds, as the duration can be adjusted based on specific application requirements
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 approach provides a more robust and reliable measurement of non-toothed tool dimensions, excluding defects and contaminants, and is adaptable for various tool types, including grinding tools, by setting a defined duration for threshold crossing that is less than one complete tool rotation.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter generating a beam of light that is directed towards the receiver
Implementation Method 2
the output signal from the receiver indicates the amount of obscuration of the light beam
Data Source
AI summary
An improved method is described for measuring a dimension (e.g. diameter) of a non-toothed tool, for example a grinding tool such as a diamond coated burr. The method may be implemented on a machine tool, such as a lathe, machining centre or the like. The method comprises passing a beam of light from a transmitter to a receiver. The receiver produces a received intensity signal related to the intensity of received light. Analysis of variations in the received intensity signal is performed when a rotating tool is moved relative to the light beam to enable a dimension of the tool to be measured. In particular, it may be determined when the received intensity signal has crossed a threshold for at least a defined duration, the defined duration being less than the time taken for one complete rotation of the tool.