Optical Watch Component Measurement in Oil-Matched Liquid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of watch components is hindered by the need for precise measurements, which slows down the process and becomes cumbersome due to the requirement for positioning components on specific measurement platforms and cleaning them after machining, especially when they are covered in cutting oil.
Innovation Solution
A device with a measuring cell filled with liquid, equipped with optical systems and a control unit, allows for rapid and precise measurement of watch components in motion, eliminating the need for cleaning and positioning, by using a fluid with controlled viscosity and refractive index that matches the machining oil, enabling measurements without interrupting the manufacturing flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If measurement is performed on components after machining, then manufacturing precision can be verified, but additional process steps (positioning, cleaning) are required which reduce productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the machining process and measurement process into a single integrated system. The measurement device is positioned to receive components directly from the machining unit without intermediate handling steps, merging what were previously separate operations into a continuous flow process.
Solution Approach 2:
A liquid medium serves as an intermediary between the machining unit and measurement device. Components are transported through this liquid, which replaces the need for traditional positioning fixtures and cleaning stations, enabling direct transfer while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If components are positioned on a specific measuring platform, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning systems with an optical measurement approach. Instead of using complex mechanical fixtures to position components precisely, the system uses optical sensors and image processing to measure dimensions of components in their natural state within the liquid medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures components during their movement through the liquid medium rather than requiring them to be stationary on a platform. This dynamic measurement approach eliminates the need for complex positioning and fixing mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If components are cleaned after machining, then measurement quality is improved, but the manufacturing process is slowed down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of cutting oil residues into a beneficial measurement medium. Instead of requiring complete removal of cutting fluid, the system uses a liquid medium that is compatible with the cutting oil, allowing measurements to be performed on components with residues still present.
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 solution enables high-speed, precise, and reliable measurement of watch components without slowing down the manufacturing process, maintaining precision and repeatability while avoiding the need for cleaning and complex positioning, thus optimizing the machining process.
Implementation Method 1
The measuring device includes an optical system capable of taking images of the watch component during its movement
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
A measuring device for a watch component comprises a measuring cell, at least two optical systems, and a control unit. The measuring cell includes a liquid-filled measuring channel with flat, parallel faces. Each optical system includes a light emitter adapted to emit light at a predefined wavelength to illuminate a watch component moving within the measuring channel at the measurement zone, and an optical sensor associated with said light emitter to receive at least a portion of the light emitted by said light emitter. The optical systems operate at different wavelengths. The control unit operates the optical systems and processes the digital data from the optical systems. It is configured to perform calculations for at least one measurement of a watch component.