Absolute Linear Encoder with Segmented Cyclic Bit Scales

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing absolute linear encoders cannot efficiently produce linear encoders of arbitrary size while maintaining high productivity.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves forming a long scale by continuously connecting short scales with cyclic bit strings generated using the same initial value for different generator polynomials and arranging sensors alongside the long scale to detect absolute positions, allowing for the generation of arbitrary-length scales with high productivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a long scale is formed by continuously connecting short scales with cyclic bit strings generated using the same initial value for different generator polynomials, then linear encoders of arbitrary size can be produced while maintaining high productivity, but the complexity of generating and managing multiple cyclic bit strings increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoidcomplexity of generating and managing cyclic bit strings

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The long scale is segmented into multiple short scales, each containing a cyclic bit string generated from the same initial value but using different generator polynomials. This segmentation allows the long scale to be constructed by continuously connecting these short scales, enabling arbitrary size while maintaining high productivity through standardized generation methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are arranged at positions facing the long scale side by side in the longitudinal direction, then absolute positions can be detected with high accuracy, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of absolute positionVSAvoidnumber of sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensors are arranged at positions facing the long scale side by side in the longitudinal direction. These sensors act as intermediaries that read the cyclic bit strings from different positions on the long scale, enabling high-accuracy detection of absolute positions through coordinated reading of multiple bit string segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11473940B2Absolute linear encoder

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 DMG MORI CO LTD

AI summary

This invention provides a linear encoder having an arbitrary size while maintaining high producibility.An absolute linear encoder includes a long scale formed by continuously connecting a first short scale and a second short scale in which a first cyclic bit string and a second cyclic bit siring generated using the same initial value for different generator polynomials are arranged, and at least two sensors arranged at positions facing the long scale side by side in a longitudinal direction of the long scale.