Optical Interposer Probe for Shaft Runout Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing precision optical measuring instruments struggle to accurately measure surfaces perpendicular to the rotational axis, requiring additional calibration and synchronization with touch probes, which introduce system synchronization issues.
Innovation Solution
An interposer device with a probe configured for movement along the rotational axis, allowing an optical system to image the probe's illuminated profile, measuring surface variations by detecting the probe's displacement as it contacts the workpiece during rotation, eliminating the need for separate touch probes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a touch probe is used to measure surfaces perpendicular to the rotational axis, then measurement capability is improved, but system synchronization issues and calibration complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement functions of the optical sensor and touch probe into a single integrated probe assembly. The optical sensor images the probe's illuminated profile while the probe contacts the workpiece surface, eliminating the need for separate touch probe calibration and synchronization with the optical sensor coordinate system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical touch probe measurement system with an optical measurement system that images the probe's illuminated profile. The probe's displacement is determined by optical detection of its profile changes, substituting mechanical coordinate system calibration with optical field-based measurement.
2Measurement precision
If a traditional optical imaging system is used, then measurement of surfaces parallel to the rotational axis is improved, but measurement of surfaces perpendicular to the rotational axis worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the probe movable along the rotational axis while maintaining contact with the workpiece surface. As the workpiece rotates, the probe dynamically adjusts its position to follow the surface profile, enabling the optical sensor to capture the illuminated profile changes that correspond to surface variations perpendicular to the rotational axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the probe's displacement along the rotational axis as a new measurement dimension. By detecting changes in the illuminated profile's position along the rotational axis direction, the system captures surface variations in the previously unmeasurable dimension perpendicular to the rotational axis.
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 precise measurement of surface variations perpendicular to the rotational axis without calibration issues, using a single optical sensor to determine runout and surface tolerances, improving measurement accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system imaging an illuminated profile of the probe
Implementation Method 2
an optical system imaging an illuminated profile of the probe
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for an optical based measurement machine for measuring a surface of a workpiece fixed to a rotational axis for rotation about the rotational axis, the apparatus comprising a probe configured for movement traverse to the rotational axis, the probe further configured to contact the surface of the workpiece in rotation about the rotational axis, an optical system imaging an illuminated profile of the probe, wherein the illuminated profile of the probe varies along the direction of the rotational axis.