Simultaneous Pin Diameter Measurement Using 2D Tracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the diameters of cylindrical measuring pins are time-consuming and accuracy-dependent on the technician's skills, requiring extensive hours to measure a large set of pins using a universal single-axis length measuring machine.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional tracing apparatus with a simultaneous holding structure that clamps and traces multiple pins simultaneously, using first and second tracing points to detect diameters based on diametrically opposite circular sections, enabling faster and more accurate measurements through a mathematical best-fit algorithm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a universal single-axis length measuring machine is used to measure cylindrical measuring pins, then the measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement time is very long (several minutes per pin) and accuracy depends on technician skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement operations into a single simultaneous measurement process. Multiple pins are clamped in a fixture and measured together by a single tracing apparatus that traces circular sections on multiple pins at the same time, rather than measuring each pin sequentially. This merging of operations dramatically reduces total measurement time while maintaining accuracy through automated tracing and mathematical best-fit algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear measurement (single-axis length measuring) to two-dimensional circular section tracing. By tracing circular sections on the pin surfaces and using mathematical algorithms to determine diameters from these 2D traces, the system achieves higher accuracy and automation compared to traditional 1D point-to-point measurements.
2Productivity
If multiple pins are measured simultaneously using the tracing apparatus, then productivity increases significantly, but the device complexity increases due to the simultaneous holding structure and multiple tracing points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement task by dividing it into independent circular section tracing operations on multiple pins. Each pin is clamped independently in the fixture, and the tracing apparatus traces circular sections on each pin separately but simultaneously. This segmentation allows for modular design where pins can be individually accessed and measured without interfering with each other, managing complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracing apparatus is designed with universal functionality to measure multiple types of cylindrical pins using the same basic mechanism. The simultaneous holding structure and tracing system can accommodate different pin diameters and configurations by adjusting clamping forces and tracing parameters, rather than requiring dedicated fixtures for each pin type. This multi-functionality increases productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a solution according to which the diameters of a large plurality of cylindrical measuring pins (1A-1E) can be measured fast and accurately, while using an affordable, non-complex and universally applicable measuring apparatus. In concise summary, the key features of the invention are formed by using a two-dimensional tracing apparatus (10) having a simultaneous holding structure (12) for simultaneously holding the measuring pins in fixed positions relative to the apparatus frame (11), while the measuring pins are alongside one another with their central axes parallel to one another, and by performing first and second joint tracing operations by tracing against and along diametrically opposite first and second parts of first and second circular sections of the cylindrical outer surfaces of the measuring pins, to thereby determine measured values of the diameters.