Non-Contact Tool Profiling by Periphery Light-Beam Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact tool setting apparatuses for coordinate positioning systems are inefficient in measuring the profile of tools, as they require repetitive movement of the tool in and out of the light beam, making the process time-consuming and impractical for detailed measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that use a light beam traced along the periphery of the tool using a coordinate positioning apparatus, collecting and analyzing beam intensity data to assess the tool profile, allowing for quicker and more detailed measurements by scanning the light beam around the tool's periphery rather than moving the tool into and out of the beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the tool is moved repeatedly into and out of the light beam to measure multiple points on the tool edge, then the tool profile can be measured, but the measurement process becomes very time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by rotating the tool at controlled speeds (e.g., 1-100 rpm) during a single continuous measurement pass. This dynamic approach allows multiple measurement points to be captured sequentially as the tool rotates through the light beam, eliminating the need for repeated stationary measurements and significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement process is made continuous by rotating the tool through the light beam in a single uninterrupted pass. The system continuously collects measurement data as the tool rotates, creating an unbroken measurement sequence that captures the entire tool profile efficiently without stopping or repositioning the tool multiple times
2Productivity
If the light beam is traced along the periphery of the tool in a single pass, then the measurement time is reduced, but the complexity of coordinating tool motion and beam tracking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the coordinate positioning apparatus to continuously adjust and maintain the light beam's position relative to the rotating tool. The beam tracking system receives positional information and dynamically adjusts the beam path to follow the tool periphery, managing the complexity through intelligent control rather than mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinate positioning apparatus serves multiple functions: it positions the tool, controls tool rotation speed, and coordinates the light beam tracking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, managing overall system complexity while enabling the sophisticated single-pass measurement capability
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
This approach significantly reduces the time and effort required for tool profiling, enabling quick and accurate measurement of tool dimensions and deviations from nominal profiles, facilitating faster and more efficient tool inspection and adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter for emitting a light beam and a receiver for receiving the light beam
Implementation Method 2
The receiver detects (e.g. using a photodiode) the received light and generates a beam intensity signal describing the intensity of the received light
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assessing the profile of a tool using a non-contact tool setting apparatus that includes a transmitter for emitting a light beam and a receiver for receiving the beam. The receiver generates a beam intensity signal describing the intensity of received light. The setting apparatus is mounted to a coordinate positioning apparatus that allows the tool to be moved relative to the setting apparatus. The method includes using the coordinate positioning apparatus to move the tool relative to the setting apparatus along a tool inspection path, the tool inspection path being selected so that the light beam is traced substantially along a periphery of the tool to be inspected. Beam intensity data is collected describing the beam intensity signal that is generated by the receiver as the tool inspection path is traversed and analysis of the collected beam intensity data is used to assess the tool profile.