Angle Encoder Coupling for Axis Tilt and Lateral Displacement Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angle measuring devices for spindles and rotary tables lack the capability to accurately determine the position of an axis of rotation in multiple directions during operation, particularly in terms of precision and handling lateral displacements and tilting, which affects the accuracy of machining and measuring processes.
Innovation Solution
An angle measuring device comprising a first and second component group with a bearing, where the first component group includes a scale element with graduations and the second component group has position sensors and transducers, allowing for the determination of relative angular position, displacement, and tilting through a torsionally stiff but axially and radially flexible compensation coupling, enabling precise measurement of angular and lateral positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional angle measuring device with a single position sensor is used, then the angular position can be measured, but the capability to determine lateral displacements and tilting of the axis of rotation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is segmented into multiple independent measurement channels: a first position sensor for angular position measurement and multiple position transducers (at least three) for lateral displacement and tilting measurement. Each sensor type scans specific graduations on the scale element, allowing simultaneous measurement of rotational angle and spatial position without interference between measurement functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The scale element serves multiple functions by incorporating both a first graduation for angular position measurement and a second graduation for lateral displacement measurement. The single scale element is scanned by different sensor types to provide comprehensive measurement data for both rotational and translational movements of the axis of rotation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the position sensor and position transducers are rigidly connected, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate axial and radial movements while maintaining measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation coupling provides dynamic adaptability by being torsionally stiff to maintain angular position relationships during rotation, while simultaneously being axially and radially flexible to accommodate thermal expansion, manufacturing tolerances, and operational loads. This dynamic characteristic allows the system to maintain measurement accuracy despite changes in axial and radial dimensions during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation coupling exhibits different mechanical properties in different directions: it is stiff in the torsional direction to preserve angular measurement accuracy, but flexible in axial and radial directions to accommodate dimensional changes. This anisotropic mechanical behavior allows the connection to remain stable for rotational measurements while adapting to linear dimensional variations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device enables precise determination of angular and lateral positions with high resolution, allowing for online detection of axis displacements and tilting, enabling correction of setpoint positions during machining or measuring processes, thereby enhancing the precision and accuracy of operations.
Implementation Method 1
the position sensor, which is situated opposite the scale element separated by an air gap... allows the first graduation to be scanned in order to determine the relative angular position
Implementation Method 2
the first, second, and third position transducers... are situated opposite the scale element separated by an air gap... allows the second graduation to be scanned for the quantitative determination of tilting
Data Source
AI summary
An angle measuring device includes first and second component groups and a bearing. The first component group includes a scale element having first and second graduations. The second component group has a first modular unit, having a position sensor, a second modular unit, having first to sixth position transducers, and a compensation coupling. To determine the relative angular position between the component groups, the first graduation is scannable with the aid of the position sensor. Using the first to third position transducers, the first graduation or a further graduation disposed on the scale element is scannable to determine a displacement of the scale element in a plane. Using the fourth to sixth position transducers, the second graduation is scannable to determine tilting of the scale element about a tilting axis, the position sensor being situated in a torsionally stiff but axially and radially flexible manner relative to the position transducers.