A general method for analysing the accessibility of features using concentric spherical shells

This paper presents a general method for features accessibility analysis used in the dimensional inspection of mechanical parts by CMMs (coordinates measuring machines). It is based on the intersection of concentric spherical shells (ICSS) centred at the measurement point. This method can be applied to any type of solid or surface and is not limited by continuity or derivability constraints. Accessibility domains can be generated easily as a limit case of the ICSS. This method has been generalised to include inspection with bent probes to take into account the actual shape of the probe. It may be used to analyse the accessibility or probe approach directions for any point within or outside any object. It is also possible to determine the common accessibility domain for a set of points directly or by comparing the accessibility domain of each point. This method has potential applications in fields such as machining and robotics.