New commercial Point Laser Triangulation (PLT) probes enable Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) to take faster, noncontact, accurate measurements. In this paper, we address how to apply this technology to inspect helical gears. Traditionally, gears are inspected with slow, costly, and dedicated machines. The proposed flexible inspection system with a fast measuring probe can significantly reduce capital equipment costs and inspection times. Integrating PLT probes on CMMs has been limited partly because of the difficulty in generating optimal inspection paths, and partly because of the highly reflective gear surfaces. Complex sensor-to-surface orientation and obstacle-avoidance requirements of these unique probes are the main cause of the difficulty. This paper presents a geometrical approach for obtaining an optimal path plan for helical gear profile inspection with PLT probes. Models for the orientation parameters and the allowable operating regions for the PLT probe are developed. A collision avoidance strategy is also presented. Although this new method was developed and demonstrated while creating an optimal path plan for inspecting helical gears, the developed models and principles can also be applied to optimal inspection plan generation for other parts.
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February 2001
Technical Papers
Optimal Path Planning for Helical Gear Profile Inspection with Point Laser Triangulation Probes
Kevin B. Smith, Professor,,
Kevin B. Smith, Professor,
Brigham Young University, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Provo, UT 84602
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Yuan F. Zheng, Professor,
Yuan F. Zheng, Professor,
The Ohio State University, Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210
Search for other works by this author on:
Kevin B. Smith, Professor,
Brigham Young University, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Provo, UT 84602
Yuan F. Zheng, Professor,
The Ohio State University, Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210
Contributed by the Manufacturing Engineering Division for publication in the JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. Manuscript received July 1999; revised Feb. 2000. Associate Editor: J. Lee.
J. Manuf. Sci. Eng. Feb 2001, 123(1): 90-98 (9 pages)
Published Online: February 1, 2000
Article history
Received:
July 1, 1999
Revised:
February 1, 2000
Citation
Smith, K. B., and Zheng, Y. F. (February 1, 2000). "Optimal Path Planning for Helical Gear Profile Inspection with Point Laser Triangulation Probes ." ASME. J. Manuf. Sci. Eng. February 2001; 123(1): 90–98. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1349718
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