Optical Tooth Flank Measurement for Fast Waviness Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of hybrid and electric vehicle transmissions, existing methods are inefficient in quickly and reliably analyzing surface waviness of tooth flanks to assess noise behavior, as complete measurement of topography is time-consuming and difficult in industrial production.
Innovation Solution
A method involving optical measurement of segments of tooth flanks, with extrapolation to non-measured regions based on nominal geometry, allowing for rapid evaluation of deviations and waviness analysis, using an optical measuring device like a confocal chromatic distance sensor, and optional tactile verification for accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complete measurement of topography of each individual tooth flank is performed, then measurement precision and reliability of surface waviness analysis is improved, but measurement time and production cycle time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by measuring only specific segments of tooth flanks (e.g., active working areas, profile lines, or topography sections) rather than complete tooth flanks. This selective measurement approach divides the measurement task into critical segments that provide sufficient information for noise behavior assessment, thereby reducing measurement time while maintaining measurement precision for the most relevant areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by performing measurements on selected portions of tooth flanks that are sufficient for evaluating surface waviness and noise behavior. Instead of measuring 100% of the tooth flank surface, the method uses partial measurements combined with extrapolation techniques to achieve reliable results with reduced measurement time, representing a deliberate partial action that balances precision and efficiency.
2Productivity
If segments of tooth flanks are measured optically and extrapolated to non-measured regions, then productivity and measurement speed are improved, but measurement precision may be compromised in non-measured areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing measurements on representative segments of tooth flanks that capture the essential surface waviness characteristics. These preliminary measurements on critical areas provide sufficient data for extrapolation to non-measured regions, enabling rapid productivity improvement while maintaining acceptable precision through intelligent selection of measurement locations and extrapolation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating extrapolated representations of non-measured tooth flank regions based on measured segments. The measurement data from measured segments is copied and extended to generate virtual measurement data for non-measured areas, allowing productivity improvement through partial measurement while maintaining evaluation precision through mathematical extrapolation of the measured patterns.
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 quick and reliable analysis of surface waviness, reducing measurement time and improving industrial production efficiency by extrapolating measured data to cover entire tooth flanks, thus enhancing noise evaluation and machine tool condition assessment.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a segment of at least one tooth flank of the tooth and wherein the measuring is performed optically by means of an optical measuring device
Data Source
AI summary
A method including the steps of providing a toothing having teeth with tooth flanks; measuring two or more teeth of the toothing, wherein the following steps are performed for each of the two or more teeth: measuring a segment of at least one tooth flank of the tooth, wherein the measuring is performed optically by an optical measuring device, extrapolating the measured segment to an extrapolated segment; and evaluating deviations of the extrapolated segments of the two or more teeth.