Articulating Probe Head Automatic Optical Waveguide Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) face inefficiencies due to the manual exchange of optical probes, which slows down measurement processes, and require multiple types of probes for accurate measurements of complex workpieces, while tactile probes are limited by contact-based methods.
Innovation Solution
An articulating probe head with automatic rotation axes and integrated optical fiber path allows for the automatic interchange of both tactile and optical probes, ensuring precise alignment and integrity of the optical waveguide through threading and verification of the optical waveguide quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual connection of the optical interface is performed at each probe exchange, then the optical probe can be connected to the probe head, but the measurement process slows down significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification of the optical connection by automatically analyzing reflected light from the probe tip and waveguide interfaces. The control system monitors optical quality without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to self-diagnose connection integrity and maintain reliable optical paths during automatic probe exchanges.
2Measurement precision
If multiple types of optical probes are required for complex workpiece measurements, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the complexity of probe management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe head is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of optical probes through a single standardized mounting mechanism. The integrated optical waveguide system and automatic alignment capabilities enable the same probe head to work with various optical probe configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized probe heads while maintaining measurement accuracy for complex workpieces.
3Measurement precision
If optical sensors operate within narrow ranges of working distances and reflection angles, then high measurement precision is achieved, but the adaptability to different workpiece geometries is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic adjustment of the probe head's angular orientation and working distance through motorized positioning mechanisms. The articulating probe head can rotate and tilt to optimize the optical measurement angle and distance for each specific workpiece feature, allowing the system to maintain high measurement precision while adapting to various workpiece geometries and surface orientations.
4Reliability
If the optical fiber is threaded through various component parts, then the integrity of the optical waveguide is maintained, but the alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary verification process where reflected light analysis serves as a mediator to confirm proper optical fiber alignment and waveguide integrity. By monitoring the optical signal characteristics and reflected light patterns, the system can verify correct alignment without requiring complex mechanical alignment mechanisms, thus maintaining waveguide integrity while simplifying the alignment process.
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
Enables rapid and precise automatic exchange of probes, enhancing measurement speed and accuracy by maintaining optical waveguide integrity and facilitating complex shape measurements without the need for manual alignment.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber (150) which is fixed at two points in the first and second rotors, while being loose in the center of the probe head
Implementation Method 2
The optical sensors used for this purpose are based on irradiation of, for example, laser light onto an object surface for interferometric measurements
Implementation Method 3
irradiation of, for example, laser light onto an object surface for interferometric measurements
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating probe head for a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) comprising an optical fiber and an interface for automatic connection to an optical coordinate probe. A tool rack for a CMM for storing tactile and/or optical probes for automatic exchange on the said probe head. Two methods are also described to verify the quality of the optical waveguide from controller to the probe tip.