Articulated Arm CMM Joint Housing for Encoder Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) face challenges in achieving high accuracy, reliability, durability, ease of use, and low cost, particularly in the design of articulated arms which require complex joint assemblies and separate housings for encoders, leading to increased parts, assembly time, and potential misalignment issues.
Innovation Solution
The articulated arm CMM system incorporates a dual-axis housing for combined hinge and swiveling joints, reducing parts and misalignment, along with a counterbalance system that shortens the first axis of rotation and integrates electronics in a removable handle for modular functionality and improved sealing, while using non-contact scanning and detection components for enhanced data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate housings are used for encoders and joint assemblies, then each joint can be independently assembled, but the number of parts increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder housing and joint assembly housing are merged into a single integrated housing structure. The encoder is mounted directly within the joint assembly housing, eliminating the need for separate encoder housings and reducing the total number of parts while maintaining independent assembly capability through modular joint cartridge design.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate housings are used for encoders and joint assemblies, then manufacturing is simplified, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint assembly is segmented into modular cartridges that can be pre-assembled and tested independently, then quickly installed into the articulated arm. This modular cartridge approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while significantly reducing final assembly time through standardized interfaces and quick-connect mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If complex joint assemblies with separate housings are used, then each component can be optimized independently, but misalignment issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the encoder mounting directly into the joint assembly housing with precision-machined reference surfaces, the patent eliminates misalignment issues between separate housings. The encoder shaft is directly coupled to the joint axis through precision bearings within the same housing, ensuring accurate alignment while still allowing independent optimization of encoder and joint components during the design phase.
4Strength
If traditional articulated arm design is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arm members are constructed using composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers or aluminum alloys with optimized cross-sections. These composite structures maintain the required structural integrity and stiffness for accurate measurement while significantly reducing the weight compared to traditional solid metal construction, improving the arm's maneuverability and reducing counterbalance requirements.
Data Source
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Figure 1A
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AI summary
The invention relates to an articulated arm CMM comprises an articulated arm and a handle. The articulated arm includes a plurality of articulated arm members, a coordinate acquisition member at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end. The handle includes electronics and be removable connected to the coordinate acquisition member.