Workpiece Measuring Carriage Layout for Faster In-Machine Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece measurement technologies face challenges in providing fast, reliable, and workshop-oriented measurements without requiring programming or training, leading to long waiting times due to bottlenecks and lengthy evaluations in special measuring rooms, which hinder effective and economical manufacturing and testing.
Innovation Solution
A device with modular, flexible measuring arrangements featuring movable carriages and sensors that can be easily attached to machine tools, allowing for simultaneous measurement of workpiece parameters before, during, and after processing, using tactile, optical, and other sensors to determine dimensions and tolerances with high precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurements are performed in special measuring rooms with complex equipment, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to transporting workpieces and waiting for results
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is segmented into multiple independent carriages (first carriage, second carriage) that can be moved along separate tracks, allowing different measurement operations to be performed simultaneously on different parts of the workpiece, thereby reducing total measurement time while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system that bridges the gap between production machines and special measuring rooms by bringing measurement capabilities directly to the workpiece location, eliminating the need to transport workpieces to separate measuring facilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measuring sensors are used to measure various parameters, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carriages are designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate various types of measuring sensors (tactile, optical, laser) for different measurement tasks, allowing a single carriage system to perform multiple measurement functions without requiring separate specialized equipment for each parameter
Solution Approach 2:
The carriages are designed to be movable and adjustable along tracks, allowing the measurement system to dynamically adapt its position and configuration to measure different parameters and workpiece features, providing versatility without permanent complex installations
3Measurement precision
If tactile measuring sensors are used for precise measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to programming and training requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is designed to be self-sufficient with integrated sensor cartridges that contain all necessary measurement functionality, allowing operators to perform precise measurements without requiring external programming or specialized training - the system serves itself by automatically executing measurement tasks
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
Enables quick, accurate, and flexible measurement of various workpiece parameters directly on the production machine, reducing waiting times and improving manufacturing efficiency by allowing simultaneous measurement from multiple angles and points, without the need for complex programming or training.
Implementation Method 1
a first carriage (2) which is designed to be movable on a first track (36) relative to the workpiece receiving space (14)
Implementation Method 2
a second carriage (8) which is designed to be movable on a second track (42) relative to the workpiece receiving space (14)
Implementation Method 3
the second carriage (8) is connected via a coupling bracket (6) to the first carriage (2) in such a way that the second carriage (8) can be moved in a floating manner with the first carriage (2)
Implementation Method 4
If, for example, measuring sensors for measuring the workpiece are arranged on both the first carriage (2) and the second carriage (8), then the workpiece can be measured at two points which have a fixed difference from one another
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for measuring a workpiece, comprising a workpiece receiving space, a first carriage that can be moved on a first path relative to the workpiece receiving space and along at least part of the workpiece receiving space outside the workpiece receiving space, and at least one second carriage that can be moved on a second path relative to the workpiece receiving space and along at least part of the workpiece receiving space outside the workpiece receiving space. The second path is defined by a carriage guide attached to the first carriage, on which the at least one second carriage is arranged in a movable fashion.