Method and apparatus for sensing distortion
AssigneeSurface Technology Holdings, Ltd.
InventorPaul S. Prevey
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Abstract
A work holder capable of measuring the amount of distortion occurring in a part as the part is machined, processed, treated, or otherwise operated upon and methods of using the same for quality control and process monitoring purposes. Indirect measurement of the distortion occurring in the part eliminates the need to individual strain gauge each part.
Claims33
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A method for evaluating the efficacy of a treatment operation based upon the distortion developed in a part comprising the steps of:
- clamping the part to be treated in a work holder;
- performing a treatment operation while collecting a distortion signature for the part being operated on;
- comparing the collected signature to a known, verified signature of the same operation on the same type of part;
- and
- assessing if any deviations between the two signatures exist and, if so, whether those deviations are substantial enough to warrant discarding the treated part.
A method for assessing the operation of equipment during a treatment process based on the distortion developed in a part comprising the steps of:
- clamping the part to be treated in a work holder;
- monitoring the distortion of the part while the part is treated;
- comparing, in real time, the distortion signature of the part to a known and verified signature for a similar operation;
- stopping the treatment should substantial deviations exist between the distortion signature and the known and verified signature;
- evaluating and adjusting the operational parameters based on the deviation from the known and verified signature;
- and
- reprocessing the part.
A method of monitoring and controlling a treatment operation based on the distortion developed in a part comprising the steps of:
- clamping the part to be treated in a work holder;
- performing a treatment step while monitoring the distortion of the part in real time;
- comparing the distortion signature for the completed step with known, verified signatures for the same step;
- adjusting control parameters based on deviations from the known, verified signatures;
- repeating the step to obtain an acceptable distortion signature;
- and
- repeating the process for the next step in the sequence.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.