Method and apparatus for measuring, analyzing, and characterizing irregularities on a surface of an article
US7013716B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 29, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 29, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B11/303
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A surface capacity parameter is determined for a surface of an article having irregularities therein that can be characterized by peaks and valleys relative to a reference point. Initially, an area of interest on the surface of the article and a lateral resolution of that area of interest are determined. An apparatus generates a visual representation of the area of interest on the surface of the article. A deflection contact part factor for the article is calculated, and a bearing ratio curve level is determined based upon the calculated deflection contact part factor and the magnitude of the height or distance between the tallest peak and the lowest valley on the surface of the article. The volume of the material comprising the peaks in the surface of the article and the volume of the space in the surface of the article that is available for the retention of a fluid, such as a lubricant, are determined. Lastly, a surface capacity parameter is calculated as the ratio of the volume of the material comprising the peaks in the surface of the article to the volume of the volume of the space comprising the valleys in the surface of the article.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.