3D Virtual CMM Positioning for Interference-Free Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The positioning and orientation of objects in a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) measurement space is a time-consuming and iterative process, requiring precise alignment to ensure accurate measurements without interference from fixtures or other objects.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a 3D virtual movement model to virtually position and orient objects within the CMM measurement space, generating a virtual movement volume model to determine optimal positioning and orientation, and validating the placement to avoid interference, allowing for efficient measurement of multiple objects without collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning and orientation of objects in CMM measurement space is performed, then measurement accuracy can be ensured, but the process becomes time-consuming and iterative
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary virtual positioning and orientation of objects in the measurement space before actual measurement. The virtual movement model predicts the required CMM probe movements to measure all features, allowing the object to be positioned in advance without iterative manual adjustments, thus reducing positioning time while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a virtual copy of the CMM measurement process through a virtual movement model that simulates probe trajectories. This virtual model allows prediction and optimization of object positioning without physical trial-and-error, enabling accurate positioning to be achieved more efficiently by working with a digital representation rather than physical objects.
2Productivity
If multiple objects are positioned in CMM measurement space, then measurement efficiency increases, but interference between objects and fixtures occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary virtual positioning of multiple objects and their fixtures in the measurement space before actual measurement. The virtual movement model predicts probe trajectories and identifies potential interferences between objects, fixtures, and probe movements in advance, allowing optimization of object arrangement to maximize measurement efficiency while avoiding collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual movement model acts as an intermediary between object positioning and actual measurement. It simulates and analyzes the measurement process to identify potential interferences, serving as a mediator that allows optimization of multiple object placement without physical trial-and-error, thus enabling higher productivity while preventing harmful interferences.
3Measurement precision
If iterative manual adjustment is used for object positioning, then proper measurement alignment is achieved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a virtual copy of the entire measurement process including object positioning, fixture arrangement, and probe movements. This virtual model automatically calculates optimal object positioning and orientation to achieve proper measurement alignment without requiring complex manual iterative adjustments, thus maintaining alignment accuracy while simplifying the positioning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual mechanical iterative adjustment process with an automated computational approach. The virtual movement model uses algorithms to calculate optimal object positioning and orientation, substituting the complex manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated digital solution that achieves the same alignment accuracy with less complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method measures a given object using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) having a measurement space. As such, the method determines one or more portions of the given object to be measured and then forms a virtual 3D movement model representing CMM movement required to measure the one or more portions. The method then uses the 3D movement model to virtually position and orient the given object within the CMM measurement space.