Optical Workpiece Measurement During Jet Cleaning of Fluid Residue

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining technologies face challenges in accurately measuring machined parts during the machining process due to residual machining fluids, which can distort optical measurements and lead to inadequate cleaning, resulting in delayed detection of defects and incorrect machining parameter corrections.

Innovation Solution

A method involving real-time optical dimensional measurement with simultaneous cleaning using gas-based jets, such as air or nitrogen, to remove liquid residues from the part, accompanied by analysis to determine when measurement errors become negligible, ensuring accurate and precise machining control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated cleaning is performed before optical measurement, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient removal of liquid residues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the measured value during cleaning and uses this feedback to determine when cleaning is sufficient. The computer analyzes the evolution of the measured value and compares it to a threshold to automatically determine when liquid residues have been removed to an acceptable level, eliminating the need for manual judgment and ensuring measurement precision is restored.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces manual cleaning assessment with an optical measurement-based detection system. Instead of relying on visual inspection or manual cleaning processes, the system uses optical measurements to detect the presence and removal of liquid residues, substituting mechanical cleaning judgment with optical detection and automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If measurement is performed after machining and cleaning, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time loss increases due to delayed defect detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidtime loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs measurement during the cleaning process itself rather than waiting for cleaning to complete. By initiating measurement before cleaning is fully finished and continuously monitoring the measured value, the system identifies when measurement accuracy is sufficient, allowing defect detection to occur during the cleaning operation and eliminating the need for separate post-cleaning measurement steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention maintains continuous measurement and cleaning operations simultaneously. The measurement process continues throughout the cleaning operation, allowing the system to capture data at multiple points and determine when accuracy thresholds are met, thereby eliminating idle time between cleaning and measurement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If optical measurement is performed on parts with machining fluid residues, then productivity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to measurement distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors the measured value parameter during cleaning and uses its evolution to determine when measurement precision is sufficient. By tracking changes in the measured value over time and comparing against threshold criteria, the system dynamically determines when liquid residues have been removed to an acceptable level, allowing measurement to proceed at the optimal moment without sacrificing precision for productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for continuous or intermittent measurement and cleaning, effectively reducing measurement errors caused by residual fluids, enabling timely correction of machining parameters and improving machining accuracy and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the part is cleaned using one or more jets when the dimensional measurement is carried out

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic forces: Jet

Implementation Method 2

a analysis is carried out at least on a decrease that a measured value obtained by the dimensional measurement experiences during cleaning as liquid residue present on the part is removed from this part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP4196317B1Method for measuring on a part and apparatus such as a device for a machining tool
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 KIF PARECHOC
  • EP4196317B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4196317B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4196317B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for measuring an at least partially machined workpiece (P), comprising a step that involves: a) taking an optical dimensional measurement on the workpiece (P). The step a) comprises an action that involves: b) cleaning the workpiece (P) by means of one or more jets (J1) when carrying out the dimensional measurement. The method comprises an action that involves: c) in order to determine the instant from which, during cleaning, a measurement error due to the liquid residue (R) on the workpiece (P) is considered to be negligible, analysing at least a decrease that a measured value obtained by the dimensional measurement undergoes during cleaning, as liquid residue (R) present on the workpiece (P) is removed from this workpiece (P). The invention also relates to an apparatus chosen, for example, from a stand-alone measuring machine and a piece of equipment for a machining tool.