Optical Range Finder System for Fabricated Part Length Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional measurement tools fall short in providing accurate and efficient measurements for long-length fabricated parts, often failing to meet industry standards for gage repeatability and reproducibility, and are time-consuming and inefficient for precise length tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing range finders and range targets, with a leveling fixture and adjustment arms, to take precise distance measurements between the ends of a work piece, allowing for accurate and reproducible length determination, and a computing device to calculate and average these measurements for enhanced precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement tools are used, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement tools with optical range finders to measure the length of fabricated parts. The range finder uses optical principles (laser or other electromagnetic radiation) to determine distance, eliminating the need for complex mechanical calipers, micrometers, or tape measures while achieving higher precision and repeatability in measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a range target as an intermediary element that reflects or returns optical signals to the range finder. This intermediary allows the range finder to accurately measure the distance to the end of the fabricated part, improving measurement precision without requiring direct contact or complex mechanical interaction between the measuring device and the part being measured.
2Productivity
If traditional measurement tools are used, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement efficiency and cycle time are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow mechanical measurement processes with optical range finding technology that can quickly determine distances without physical contact. This substitution dramatically reduces measurement cycle time and increases productivity, as the optical system can rapidly acquire measurements compared to manual or mechanical tools.
3Reliability
If traditional measurement tools are used, then the operation is straightforward, but the measurement reliability and repeatability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems with optical range finders that provide more reliable and repeatable measurements. The optical system eliminates mechanical wear, calibration drift, and human reaction time variations that plague traditional tools, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated digital readings.
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
The system provides accurate, reliable, and efficient measurements, significantly reducing cycle time and improving manufacturing output by enabling precise length determination with high repeatability and reproducibility, meeting stringent industry standards.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more range finders may be configured to take distance measurements between the first end and the second end of the work piece
Implementation Method 2
one or more range finders configured to take measurements between the one or more range finders and the vertical portion of the range target
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring a length of a work piece including a leveling fixture disposed at a first end of the work piece and a range target disposed at a second end. The leveling fixture includes a precision stop abutting against the first end and range finders configured to be substantially aligned with the first end. The range target includes a target stop abutting against the second end and a vertical portion substantially aligned with the second end when the target stop abuts the second end. The range finders are each configured to take measurements between the range finders and the vertical portion of the range target so as to provide a measurement of the length of the work piece.