Switching Touch Probe Contour Checking on Machine Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for checking the dimensional accuracy of workpieces are costly and resource-intensive, requiring separate measurement machines and sophisticated software, and often involve complex tactile touch probes with limited internal measurement ranges.
Innovation Solution
A method using a switching touch probe with a shaped probe element clamped into a machine tool, where the probe generates a switching signal upon contact with the workpiece, allowing the machine tool's control facility to determine deviations from a nominal contour by tracing predefined distance and deflection paths, eliminating the need for separate measurement machines and software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate measurement machines with complex tactile touch probes are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the machining function and measurement function into a single machine tool system. The control facility of the machine tool is used to control both the machining tool and the touch probe, eliminating the need for separate measurement machines. This merging reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining measurement capability through the integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine tool is designed to perform multiple functions: both machining operations and dimensional accuracy checking. The control facility can switch between controlling the machining tool and the touch probe, making the machine tool a universal system that eliminates the need for dedicated measurement equipment.
2Measurement precision
If separate measurement machines with sophisticated software are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the machining process and measurement process into a single integrated workflow. The workpiece remains in the same machine tool, and the control facility seamlessly transitions from machining control to measurement control, eliminating the time required for transferring workpieces between different machines and reducing overall measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The control facility is pre-configured with the ability to control both machining tools and touch probes. The measurement program can be prepared in advance, and the system is ready to perform measurement immediately after machining without requiring additional setup or software installation, thus reducing time loss.
3Measurement precision
If tactile touch probes with internal measurement ranges are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simpler switching touch probe instead of an expensive tactile touch probe with internal measurement capabilities. The switching probe provides sufficient functionality for dimensional accuracy checking at a lower cost and with simpler construction, making the measurement system more economical and easier to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function (detecting contact with the workpiece surface) from the complex tactile touch probe. By using a switching probe that simply detects contact rather than measuring deflection, the system achieves the necessary measurement capability with a simpler, more cost-effective device.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for checking a contour of a workpiece, a tactile switching touch probe with a shaped probe element is clamped in a machine tool and connected to a control facility. The touch probe is guided, preferably multiple times, with a different distance or different deflection of the touch probe, along a nominal contour of the workpiece. It is checked whether the touch probe generates a switching signal or loses a switching signal, indicating to a contour deviation. A machine tool and a simulation tool constructed as a digital twin are also disclosed. This enables a fast, simple and cost-effective check of the dimensional accuracy of workpieces machined or produced in the machine tool.