Multi-Oriented Surface Finish Stylus for Non-Parallel Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface finish measurement technologies, such as profilometers and multi-directional CMMs, are limited in their ability to measure surface roughness and waviness on machined parts with different orientations, requiring re-orientation of the measurement device or object, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A surface finish stylus for multi-directional scanning probes with a plurality of contact elements oriented at different angles relative to the stylus shaft, allowing measurement along non-parallel directions, enabling the measurement of surfaces with various orientations without re-orientating the probe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single contact element is used in the stylus, then the device structure is simple, but it can only measure surfaces with a specific orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The stylus contact element is divided into multiple segments or surfaces, each oriented at different angles. This segmentation allows the single contact element to measure surfaces with various orientations without requiring multiple separate contact elements, thus increasing adaptability while controlling structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element is designed with three-dimensional multi-oriented surfaces instead of a single flat surface. By adding dimensional complexity to the contact element geometry, the stylus can accommodate multiple measurement directions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If the probe is re-oriented to measure surfaces with different orientations, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is pre-configured with multiple oriented surfaces during manufacturing, so that when the stylus contacts a surface, the appropriate orientation is already in place. This eliminates the need for time-consuming re-orientation operations during the measurement process, maintaining precision while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylus design allows dynamic selection of contact surfaces based on the surface orientation being measured. The contact element can effectively present different oriented surfaces to the workpiece depending on the measurement direction, enabling continuous measurement across different orientations without interrupting the production cycle.
3Measurement precision
If a dedicated profilometer is used for surface finish measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but equipment cost and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surface finish measurement capability is merged into the existing multi-directional scanning probe system. By integrating a multi-oriented contact element into the scanning probe, the system can perform both form measurement and surface finish measurement functions, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated profilometer and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning probe system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: traditional form measurement and new surface finish measurement capabilities. The multi-oriented contact element enables the probe to measure surface roughness on various orientations, making the system universal and eliminating the need for specialized equipment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A surface finish stylus (50; 190) for a multi-directional scanning probe (22) is described. The stylus has an elongate stylus shaft (52; 120; 140) having a longitudinal axis (L) and one or more contact elements (56; 124,126; 144, 146, 148; 196, 198) protruding from the elongate shaft (52; 120; 140) for contacting a surface (70,72) to be measured. The one or more contact elements (56; 124,126; 144, 146, 148; 196, 198) are configured to enable measurement of surface finish during motion of the stylus shaft (52; 120; 140) relative to a surface (70,72) along a measurement direction (Ml, M2; M3) that is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis (L). The multi-directional scanning probe (22) may be carried by a coordinate measuring machine or machine tool. Associated methods are also described.