Crankshaft Profiling and Gauging System

A Crankshaft is a mechanical part able to perform a conversion between reciprocating motion and rotational motion. It is located in the engine of a vehicle and converts the force created by the engine's pistons moving up and down into a force that moves the wheels in a circular motion so the car can go forward. Located inside the car's engine, it is connected to all the pistons in the engine and plays an important role in engine efficiency. Crankshafts are usually gauged using 2 methods, manual and automatic. Manual method includes usage of Vernier caliper and gauges. It also includes comparison of dimensional readings of crank with the hand drawn drawings. Thus the method becomes tedious, time consuming, less accurate and involves human interference. The currently used automated method includes gauging using completely automated machines like Coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and Virtual measuring machines(VMM) by virtue of image processing and laser technology which ultimately increases the cost. This project is motivated mainly by the need for inexpensive, more accurate and less complex gauging system. It also aims at providing the entire profile of the crank in the form of graphs, helping in analysis. Thus in this project we will develop a real time embedded and completely automated system for gauging the crankshaft.