Scanning Probe Acceleration Zone Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine tool controllers are unable to provide continuous high-data-rate position information required for effective use of scanning probes in coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), limiting the speed and accuracy of scanning processes.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses measured acceleration to identify acceleration zones along a pre-programmed scan path, allowing for accurate alignment of scanning probe data without relying on real-time position data from the machine tool, enabling quicker measurement and setup processes, and compatibility with previously incompatible machine tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous high-data-rate position information is obtained from machine tool controllers, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and controller modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
An accelerometer is introduced as an intermediary device to measure acceleration between the probe holder and carrier. This intermediary provides the necessary motion information without requiring modifications to the machine tool controller, thereby resolving the contradiction between obtaining precise position data and avoiding controller complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic/machine tool controller-based position measurement system with a mechanical accelerometer-based system. By using physical acceleration measurements and integrating them to derive position information, the system avoids the complexity of modifying machine tool controllers while maintaining measurement precision.
2Productivity
If scanning is performed at high speed, then productivity is improved, but position data alignment accuracy deteriorates due to controller limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the accelerometer mounted on the probe holder to self-measure the actual motion characteristics during scanning. This self-service approach allows the system to capture real acceleration data at high scanning speeds and use it to accurately align position information, resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerometer provides real-time feedback on actual probe holder acceleration during scanning. This feedback is integrated to determine actual position, allowing the system to maintain accurate position data alignment even at high scanning speeds where conventional controller-based methods would fail.
3Adaptability or versatility
If acceleration measurement is used to identify acceleration zones, then adaptability to different machine tools is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerometer-based measurement system is designed to be universally applicable to different machine tool types without requiring machine-specific modifications. The same basic setup (accelerometer on probe holder) works across various machine tools, providing adaptability while keeping the added complexity minimal and standardized.
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 approach allows for more accurate measurement data collection and quicker setup processes by aligning scanning probe data using acceleration zones, eliminating the need for high-data-rate position information from machine tools and enabling the use of scanning probes with a wider range of machine tools.
Implementation Method 1
measuring acceleration between the probe holder and the carrier using at least one accelerometer whilst the pre-programmed scan path is traversed
Data Source
AI summary
Method for measuring an object using a scanning probe carried by a machine tool having a probe holder for the scanning probe and a carrier for the object. The method includes (i) using the machine tool to move the probe holder relative to the carrier along a pre-programmed scan path, (ii) measuring acceleration whilst the pre-programmed scan path is traversed, (iii) collecting probe data whilst the pre-programmed scan path is traversed, and (iv) using the acceleration measured to identify at least one acceleration zone of the pre-programmed scan path and thereby determine one or more positions along the scan path at which the probe data of step (iii) were collected.