Tool Measurement Optics With Reference Edge for Flat Cutters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool setting and measuring devices face inaccuracies when measuring tools with flat cutting surfaces, as these surfaces lack a pronounced edge for the measuring optics to align or focus on, leading to measurement inaccuracies of up to 1/100 mm.
Innovation Solution
A device with a movable measuring element carrier and a reference body that can be positioned between a ready and measuring position, providing a clearly defined edge for precise alignment and focus, and optionally mounted on a pivotable arm with an adjustable holding device and spring system for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measuring optics are used to measure tools with flat cutting surfaces, then measurement can be performed, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to lack of pronounced edge for alignment and focus
Solution Approach 1:
A reference body with a pronounced edge is introduced as an intermediary element between the measuring optics and the tool. This reference body serves as a mediator that provides a clear alignment target for the optics, which can then use this reference to accurately measure the tool's flat cutting surface. The reference body is positioned in the measurement path and interacts with the light beam to create a defined reference edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is divided into separate functional components: the measuring optics, the reference body, and the tool. The reference body is mounted on a movable arm that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the reference body to be separately adjusted and positioned optimally for providing a clear reference edge, while the measuring optics focus on this reference rather than directly on the difficult-to-measure flat surface.
2Measurement precision
If a reference body is added to provide a defined edge for measurement, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference body serves multiple functions: it provides a pronounced edge for optical alignment, acts as a focus reference for the measuring optics, and can be positioned to interact with different measurement surfaces. The movable arm structure allows the same reference body to be used for measuring different types of tools and surfaces, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference body is mounted on a movable arm that can be dynamically positioned and adjusted. This dynamic positioning capability allows the reference body to adapt to different measurement scenarios and tool configurations. The arm can be moved to optimal positions and the reference body oriented appropriately, providing flexibility without requiring multiple fixed reference components for different measurement situations.
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 solution significantly reduces measurement inaccuracies to less than 1/100 mm by allowing precise alignment and focus on the reference body, improving measurement accuracy and ease of use for both manual and automated systems.
Implementation Method 1
contains a light source (14) and a light sensor (15) opposite one another
Implementation Method 2
a light beam can be given a clearly defined and pronounced edge, which can also be precisely focused by an optic
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for setting and/or measuring a tool (2) with a measuring element carrier (10) movable in a first axis 8 (X-axis) and a second axis 11 (Z-axis) perpendicular to the first axis 8, on which a measuring device (14, 15) for optical measurement of the tool (2) is arranged. To facilitate the setting and measuring process, a reference body (18) movable between a ready position and a measuring position on the tool (2) is associated with the measuring element carrier (10) for interaction with the measuring device (14, 15).