Optical Reamer Measurement for Accurate Support Pad Setting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring and inspecting support strips and cutting strips lack high setting accuracy, leading to potential tool damage and increased operational effort, with a high likelihood of incorrect measurements due to operator errors.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact, automated measurement and inspection system using an optics unit with a light sensor and camera, coupled with a control unit for precise detection of support and cutting strip parameters, including concentricity, to ensure high accuracy and reduce operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If non-contact optical measurement is used, then measurement precision is improved and tool damage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact measurement systems with non-contact optical measurement systems. The optical unit captures images of the tool, and the evaluation unit processes these images to determine measurement values, eliminating the need for physical contact between measurement probes and the tool surface. This substitution improves measurement precision while preventing tool damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the tool using the optical unit. Instead of physically measuring the tool, the system captures visual information and processes it to obtain measurement data. This copying approach allows for non-contact, high-precision measurement without affecting the tool.
2Reliability
If automated measurement is implemented, then operator errors are reduced and productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system performs automated self-measurement without requiring operator intervention. The optical unit automatically captures images, the evaluation unit processes them to determine measurement values, and the system can identify defects autonomously. This self-service capability eliminates operator errors and improves reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where measurement results are automatically evaluated and can trigger alerts or notifications when defects are detected. The evaluation unit compares measured values against reference values and provides feedback about tool condition, enabling automated quality control.
3Productivity
If multiple parameters are measured simultaneously, then productivity increases, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into distinct functional units: the optical unit for image capture, the evaluation unit for processing, and specialized detection for different parameters (support strip position, cutting strip runout, defects). Each unit focuses on specific measurements, maintaining precision while enabling simultaneous multi-parameter measurement through coordinated operation.
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 achieves high setting accuracy, reduces tool damage, and minimizes operator errors by enabling precise, automated detection and adjustment of support and cutting strip parameters, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of the measurement process.
Implementation Method 1
non-contact, in particular optical, measurement
Implementation Method 2
non-contact, in particular optical, measurement can be performed, in particular, by means of reflection, absorption, and/or emission of at least one electromagnetic wave
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method is proposed for the, in particular at least largely automated, measurement of tools (12) having support strips (10) and/or at least one cutting strip (108), in particular reamers (20), by means of a tool presetting and/or tool measuring device (14) with at least one optical unit (16) for non-contact measurement of the tools (12), in particular the reamers (20), preferably at least one cutting edge (18) of the reamers (20), wherein at least one support strip (10) and/or at least one cutting edge of at least one tool (12), in particular reamer (20), is at least partially detected non-contactly by a support and/or cutting strip detection unit (22) of the tool presetting and/or tool measuring device (14).