Wireless 3D Sensor Head for CNC Workpiece Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
CNC machining centers face challenges in powering and data transmission for sensors used in three-dimensional workpiece measurements, as they cannot be connected with cables, complicating the measurement process and increasing workload.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional measurement device with a sensor head that uses a secondary battery and wireless LAN for data transmission, allowing it to be treated like other tools in the machining machine, with a charging system and both contact and non-contact sensors for accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor is installed in a machining center for workpiece measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but power supply and data transmission become problematic due to cable connection restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. The sensor head uses a secondary battery for power supply and wireless LAN for data transmission, eliminating the need for physical cable connections between the sensor and the machining center control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor head is designed to be self-sufficient with an integrated secondary battery that provides autonomous power supply. The wireless LAN capability enables the sensor to independently transmit measurement data without requiring external cable connections, making the measurement system self-contained and easy to deploy.
2Reliability
If a cable connection is used for power supply and data transmission, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cable management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. The sensor head uses a secondary battery for power supply and wireless LAN for data transmission, eliminating the need for physical cable connections between the sensor and the machining center control system.
3Measurement precision
If multiple processing steps are required for measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased workload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement function with the machining center by installing a sensor head that can be positioned and operated within the existing machining center framework. This integration allows measurement to be performed as part of the machining process without requiring separate measurement equipment or additional processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor head is designed to be self-sufficient with an integrated secondary battery that provides autonomous power supply. The wireless LAN capability enables the sensor to independently transmit measurement data without requiring external cable connections, making the measurement system self-contained and easy to deploy.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a three-dimensional measurement device applicable to a machining machine. A sensor head 10 contains a body 12 and a collet chuck 18. A light emitting window 14 and a light receiving window 16 are provided on the front end (left end in FIG. 2b) of the body 12. A non-contact sensor is incorporated in the body 12. Laser light L emitted by the non-contact sensor is radiated onto a workpiece W through the light emitting window 14. Laser light (reflected light) R reflected from the surface of the workpiece W is received by the light receiving window 16. A collet chuck 18 is attached to the rear end (right end in FIG. 2b) of the body 12. The collet chuck 18 has the same shape as a collet chuck provided by each tool housed in a tool magazine of a machining center.