Optical Camshaft Lobe Chatter Evaluation Tool
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating surface roughness of camshaft lobes are cumbersome and time-intensive, leading to production delays and inefficiencies in automotive manufacturing, as they require shutting down manufacturing lines for thorough evaluation of chatter-related issues.
Innovation Solution
A chatter evaluation tool comprising a light source, jig, and board that projects a reflected light array onto a board display surface, allowing for rapid visual inspection of surface roughness by adjusting the standoff distance based on reflectivity, enabling quick identification of surface roughness defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional contacting methods are used to evaluate surface roughness of camshaft lobes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase due to cumbersome logistical hurdles and system controls requiring manufacturing line shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contacting measurement system with an optical system. A light source projects light onto the camshaft lobe surface, and a camera captures the reflected light patterns. The surface roughness is determined by analyzing the reflected light array characteristics, eliminating the need for physical contact probes and complex mechanical positioning systems while maintaining measurement accuracy and enabling rapid evaluation without production line shutdowns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the surface topography through the reflected light array captured by the camera. Instead of directly measuring physical surface variations with contact probes, the system projects light and captures the reflected pattern that replicates surface characteristics, allowing for rapid non-contact analysis of surface roughness
2Measurement precision
If traditional contacting methods are used to evaluate surface roughness of camshaft lobes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to cumbersome logistical hurdles and system controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contacting measurement system with an optical system. A light source projects light onto the camshaft lobe surface, and a camera captures the reflected light patterns. The surface roughness is determined by analyzing the reflected light array characteristics, eliminating the need for physical contact probes and complex mechanical positioning systems while maintaining measurement accuracy and enabling rapid evaluation without production line shutdowns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium between the measurement system and the camshaft surface. Instead of direct mechanical contact, light serves as the mediator that interacts with the surface topography and carries information about surface roughness to the camera sensor, simplifying the overall measurement system architecture
3Loss of time
If rapid visual inspection is implemented for surface roughness evaluation, then loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate compared to contacting methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using optical properties (light reflection characteristics) instead of mechanical contact parameters. By analyzing the reflected light array patterns, intensity distributions, and angular dependencies, the system achieves rapid measurement while maintaining precision through optical physics-based measurements rather than mechanical probing
4Measurement precision
If manufacturing lines are shut down for thorough evaluation of chatter-related issues, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contacting measurement system with an optical system. A light source projects light onto the camshaft lobe surface, and a camera captures the reflected light patterns. The surface roughness is determined by analyzing the reflected light array characteristics, eliminating the need for physical contact probes and complex mechanical positioning systems while maintaining measurement accuracy and enabling rapid evaluation without production line shutdowns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous measurement during normal manufacturing operations. The optical system can rapidly evaluate camshaft lobes as they pass through the manufacturing process without requiring line shutdowns, maintaining continuous production flow while providing thorough surface roughness assessment for chatter prevention
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 minimizes production delays by providing a rapid and accurate visual triage process for evaluating camshaft lobe chatter, improving manufacturing line efficiency and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
the determining of the surface roughness is based upon a reflected light array projected on the board display surface of the board
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for visual inspection of a radial surface of a camshaft lobe. Upon visual inspection of the radial surface of the camshaft lobe via the apparatus and method of the present disclosure, surface roughness, or ‘chatter’, can be evaluated. Rapid evaluation of camshaft lobe chatter provides for improved manufacturing efficiency and decreased production delays.