Automated Long Taper Hone

The prototype of an automated computer controlled precision hone will be built and evaluated in Phase I. The prototype hone will evaluate in situ bore measurement as a means to reduce the overall time required for maintenance honing of long tapered bores currently in use at a government facility. The measurement system would be used as a feedback signal to control the honing head's forward progress, rotation, and material removal rate. The design goal is to produce a computer controlled honing system with the capability of honing any desired linear (tapered) or non-linear (curved) bone profile. A key to the rapid development of the honing system is the use of state-of-the-art components; LVDT measurement system, multi-slot portable computer, servo motors, motion controllers, and modularized fixtures for the hone bed and frame. Visual programming will be used to develop the software for integration and control of the vaious system components. The proposed engineering design team has produced one of the most advanced air transportable bone honing and bore inspection systems in the industry. These existing systems provide the designers with a proven baseline for designing the special hone required for this project.