Machine Tool Part Zero Detection Using Backlit Through-Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensors in numerically controlled machine tools struggle to accurately identify the position of a part zero, especially when there is an insufficient contrast difference between the foreground and background surfaces, leading to erroneous measurements and quality issues in manufactured parts.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for determining the position of a part zero in a numerically controlled machine tool, involving the use of a light source integrated into a carrier, which emits light radiation through a through-hole in the part and a corresponding through-orifice in the carrier, allowing an optical measuring instrument to accurately determine the position of the part zero.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If optical sensors rely on contrast difference between foreground and background surfaces to identify reference objects, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates when contrast difference is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference object with specific optical properties (high contrast, reflective, or fluorescent characteristics) as an intermediary element. This reference object is placed on the part's surface and serves as a mediator between the optical sensor and the measurement target. The reference object's distinct optical properties create sufficient contrast against the background, enabling accurate sensor detection even when the original surface contrast is insufficient, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement simplicity and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs reference objects with specific color or optical property characteristics that differ significantly from the background surface. By using reference objects with distinct colors, reflectivity, or fluorescence, the system creates artificial contrast differences that enable reliable optical detection. This approach maintains the simplicity of the optical measurement process while ensuring high measurement precision through enhanced visual distinguishability
2Ease of operation
If optical sensors are used to identify part zero position, then the setup is straightforward, but the reliability deteriorates when foreground and background have insufficient contrast difference
Solution Approach 1:
The reference object acts as a reliable intermediary that ensures consistent optical detection. By placing a standardized reference object with known optical properties on the part, the system guarantees that the optical sensor will always detect a high-contrast target, regardless of variations in the original part surface. This maintains operational simplicity while significantly improving measurement reliability and consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the measurement target by introducing a reference object with controlled optical properties (reflectivity, color, fluorescence). This parameter change ensures that the target always presents sufficient contrast to the optical sensor, making the measurement process both easy to set up and reliably repeatable across different parts and lighting conditions
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 solution ensures accurate identification of the part zero position under all circumstances, thereby guaranteeing the quality requirements for the parts produced, by enhancing the visibility of the reference object through controlled illumination.
Implementation Method 1
illuminating, using a light source, so as to emit light radiation from the carrier towards an optical measuring instrument arranged inside the enclosure of the machine tool, through the hole and the orifice
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the position of a part in an orthonormal frame of reference based on a structure of a numerically controlled machine tool to determine the trajectory of a tool for performing an operation on the part, the method including the steps of: holding the part in position on a fixed carrier inside an enclosure of the machine tool, so as to arrange a through-hole comprised in the part such that it faces a through-orifice included in the carrier, the hole opening out in its entirety inside the orifice, illuminating, using a light source, so as to emit light radiation from the carrier towards an optical measuring instrument arranged inside the enclosure of the machine tool, through the hole and the orifice, reading the part using the optical measuring instrument so as to determine the position of the part in the orthonormal frame of reference.