Touch Trigger Probe Interface With Timestamped Event Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch trigger probe systems introduce measurement errors due to the assumption of constant machine velocity during probing, leading to inaccuracies in positional corrections, despite being designed for sub-micron precision.
Innovation Solution
A touch trigger probe interface that outputs probe event information as digital data packets, including timestamps, allowing for precise timing of probe events and eliminating the need for constant time delays, thereby improving measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a constant time delay is used to account for processing time between trigger event and SKIP signal issuance, then the system can maintain simple calibration procedures, but measurement accuracy deteriorates when machine velocity varies during probing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical timing system (constant time delay based on assumed constant velocity) with an electronic/digital solution. The probe interface now outputs digital data packets containing timestamped probe event information, allowing the numerical controller to calculate actual position based on real velocity data from position measurement devices, thereby eliminating the accuracy limitations of constant velocity assumptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using actual position measurement data from the numerical controller to determine probe position at trigger events. The numerical controller provides feedback on actual machine position and velocity, which is then used to calculate accurate probe positions even when velocity varies during probing operations.
2Device complexity
If the system assumes constant machine velocity during probing moves, then positional correction calculations become simpler, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to velocity variations in practice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simplified mechanical assumption of constant velocity with a digital information-based approach. Instead of assuming constant velocity, the system uses digital data packets with timestamps and actual position feedback from the numerical controller to calculate precise probe positions, eliminating the need for constant velocity assumptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static model (constant velocity assumption) to a dynamic model that accounts for actual velocity variations. By using real-time position feedback and timestamped data, the system adapts to changing velocity conditions during probing moves, maintaining accuracy despite dynamic changes in machine motion.
3Measurement precision
If digital data packets with timestamps are used to output probe event information, then measurement accuracy improves by capturing precise timing, but device complexity increases due to additional communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing numerical controller's digital communication infrastructure and position measurement devices for multiple purposes. The same communication bus and timing systems used for machine control are also used for probe event timing and position calculation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated timing hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the probe timing function with the existing numerical controller's digital communication system. By combining probe event data with the controller's existing position feedback and timing infrastructure, the system achieves precise timing without requiring separate dedicated timing hardware or communication channels.
Data Source
AI summary
A touch trigger probe interface for a machine tool is described that includes a probe communication portion for receiving probe event information from a touch trigger probe. A machine tool communication portion is also provided for outputting probe event information to a numerical controller of the machine tool. The machine tool communication portion outputs the probe event information as digital data packets, for example over a digital data bus. The digital data packets may include a time stamp and/or the touch trigger probe interface may receive timing information from the machine tool. A touch trigger probing system and a machine tool system including the probe interface are also described.