Portable Probe Operation for Accurate Workpiece Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for setting a reference position of a workpiece in a machine tool using a measurement probe are hindered by the operator's inability to accurately confirm the measurement point due to its distance from the operation panel, especially when the point is on the back side of the workpiece.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool with a workpiece measurement function that includes a measurement probe, a linear feed axis, an operation terminal near the workpiece, a storage unit, and a measurement controller, allowing direct visual contact and input of movement commands for accurate measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the operation panel is affixed to the cover of the machine tool, then the machine structure is simplified and manufacturing cost is reduced, but the operator cannot visually confirm the measurement point when it is far from the operator or on the back side of the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The operation terminal is moved from the fixed cover position to a portable dimension, allowing the operator to physically relocate the terminal to different positions around the workpiece. This dimensional change enables visual confirmation of measurement points from multiple angles while maintaining the simplified machine structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation terminal is designed as a portable, movable device rather than a fixed installation. This dynamic characteristic allows the terminal to be relocated to optimal viewing positions during measurement operations, enabling the operator to visually confirm measurement points that would otherwise be inaccessible from the fixed cover position.
2Measurement precision
If the measurement point is on the back side of the workpiece, then comprehensive measurement coverage is achieved, but the operator cannot visually confirm the measurement point due to distance and obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The portable operation terminal allows the operator to dynamically reposition themselves and the terminal to locations providing optimal visual access to measurement points on the back side of the workpiece, maintaining both comprehensive measurement coverage and visual confirmation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable operation terminal serves as an intermediary between the operator and the workpiece, allowing the operator to interact with the measurement system while positioned at locations where they can visually confirm measurement points on the back side of the workpiece.
3Reliability
If the operator is positioned far from the workpiece to operate the machine, then safety distance is maintained, but accurate visual confirmation of the measurement point becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The portable operation terminal enables the operator to dynamically adjust their working distance from the workpiece, allowing them to maintain safety distances when needed while moving closer for visual confirmation during critical measurement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable terminal adds positional flexibility to the operator-workpiece interaction, allowing the operator to move in different spatial dimensions to simultaneously maintain safety distance and achieve optimal visual confirmation of measurement points.
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine (100) having a function of measuring a workpiece (W) comprises a table (106) to which the workpiece is attached, a measurement probe (114) that detects contact with the workpiece, a linear feed shaft that moves the table and the measurement probe relative to each other, a manual pulse generator (50) that inputs a movement command to move the workpiece and measurement probe relative to each other to the feed shaft, a storage unit (26) that stores measurement point information, which is the movement direction and coordinates detected when the measurement probe contacts the workpiece, a display unit (202) that displays the measurement point information stored in the storage unit, and a measurement control device (10) that creates a measurement program on the basis of the measurement point information selected by an operator and executes the measurement program to measure the workpiece.