Optical Triangulation for Internal Thread Profile Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring internally threaded surfaces are time-consuming, subjective, and prone to errors, relying on manual comparison or fragile mechanical stylus systems, which lack precision and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using optical triangulation with a motion stage and optical head to measure internally threaded surfaces by emitting and detecting scattered light, allowing for non-contact characterization and generating accurate thread profiles, with physical contact points for registration and stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical stylus is used to trace the thread form, then measurement can be performed, but the process is time-consuming to setup and collect data, and the system is fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stylus tracing system with an optical measurement system. The optical head emits light that reflects off the internally threaded surface, and the reflected light is detected to generate thread profile data. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual setup and data collection processes associated with mechanical stylus methods while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a mechanical stylus is used to trace the thread form, then measurement can be performed, but the system is fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fragile mechanical stylus system with a non-contact optical measurement system. The optical head uses light emission and detection to measure thread profiles without physical contact, thereby eliminating the fragility and reliability issues associated with mechanical components while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If optical triangulation is used to measure internally threaded surfaces, then non-contact measurement and measurement accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical head is designed as an integrated unit that combines the light source, optical elements for beam shaping and detection, and signal processing capabilities. This multi-functional design allows the single optical head to perform multiple measurement functions across different thread types and sizes, justifying the device complexity through enhanced versatility and measurement capability.
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 solution provides a precise, efficient, and non-contact method for measuring internally threaded surfaces, reducing human error and increasing measurement accuracy, enabling quick data collection and analysis of thread profiles.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic energy that is incident upon the threaded surface and wherein the receiver is configured to receive at least a portion of the reflected electromagnetic energy
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus configured to measure at least one physical characteristic of an threaded surface (e.g., an internally threaded surface) of an object is provided. The apparatus uses optical triangulation to perform non-contact characterization of the threaded surface. The apparatus can be used to characterize various aspects of the threaded surface, including generating the measurements required to produce a longitudinal cross-sectional profile of the threaded surface. According to the invention the apparatus comprises an optical head and two external contacts, one on either side of the optical head, perpendicular to the internally threaded surface, wherein the external contacts are configured to make physical contact at two contact locations on an exterior surface of the object, wherein the exterior surface is perpendicular to the central axis of the internally threaded surface.