Tool Measurement Optics With Check Valve Contamination Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool measurement apparatuses in machine tools are vulnerable to contamination from cutting debris and coolant fluid, particularly when exposed to harsh conditions, with existing protection mechanisms like air expulsion apertures and pneumatically activated shutters failing to provide effective protection in the absence of a gas supply.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a check valve, such as a duckbill valve, in the optical path of the tool measurement apparatus, which opens with a gas flow and closes in its absence to prevent contaminant ingress, combined with a gas expulsion aperture and optional shutter assembly for additional protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air expulsion apertures are used to protect optical components, then protection against contaminants is improved, but the protection only works when air supply is active and contaminants can enter when air is not supplied
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve automatically opens when gas flows through the aperture and closes when gas flow stops, without requiring external control mechanisms. The valve serves itself by using the gas flow to actuate the sealing action, providing continuous protection with minimal complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve acts as an intermediary component between the gas supply system and the optical components, providing passive protection by allowing gas flow in one direction while blocking contaminant ingress when gas flow is absent
2Reliability
If pneumatically activated shutters are used to block contaminant ingress, then protection is provided when air supply is deactivated, but the shutters have moving parts and seals that wear over time allowing contaminant ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the active pneumatic shutter mechanism and replaces it with a passive check valve that has no moving parts or seals requiring actuation. This removes the wear-prone components while maintaining protection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve is designed as a simple, maintenance-free component that can be easily replaced if needed, eliminating the need for complex sealed mechanisms with limited service lives
3Measurement precision
If angled air channels are used to expel air and reduce turbulence, then measurement accuracy is improved, but contaminants can still accumulate within the air channels when air is not being supplied
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is positioned to prevent contaminant accumulation in the air channels before it can occur. By maintaining a sealed closure when gas flow is absent, contaminants are blocked from entering and accumulating in the channels that are used during measurement operations
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
The check valve provides a compact and effective seal against contaminants, reducing penetration depth and preventing damage to optical components, even when no gas is being supplied, while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the flow of the bleed gas through the check valve causes the check valve to adopt an open configuration defining a passageway through which the light beam can pass
Implementation Method 2
a light beam being passed from the light source to the detector along an optical path
Data Source
AI summary
A tool measurement apparatus for a machine tool includes a transmitter portion including a light source for generating a light beam and a receiver portion including a detector for detecting the light beam, the light beam being passed from the light source to the detector along an optical path. At least one of the receiver portion and the transmitter portion includes a protection device including a gas expulsion aperture configured to expel a bleed gas supplied from an external gas source. The optical path also passes through the gas expulsion aperture. The protection device further includes a check valve located in the optical path. The bleed gas is supplied to the gas expulsion aperture through the check valve and the flow of the bleed gas through the check valve causes the check valve to adopt an open configuration defining a passageway through which the light beam can pass.