Auxiliary-Axis Coordinate Measurement for Complex 3D Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machines (AACMMs) face limitations in providing improved measurement and scanning techniques, particularly in efficiently determining three-dimensional coordinates of complex objects and scanning large or odd-shaped targets within their scanning envelope.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an auxiliary multi-axis system with automated or motorized cartridges and encoder systems, which adds additional degrees of freedom such as rotation, tilt, and translation, allowing for enhanced scanning volume and accuracy by synchronizing data from multiple axes in real-time, enabling precise measurement of targets without the need for post-processing calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an auxiliary multi-axis system is integrated to add rotational, tilt, and translational degrees of freedom, then scanning volume and measurement accuracy are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary multi-axis system is nested within or integrated with the portable AACMM structure, where additional rotational and tilt axes are incorporated into the existing arm segments or probe assembly. This nesting approach allows the system to gain enhanced scanning volume and measurement accuracy while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by reusing existing structural elements and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates motorized cartridges with automated rotational, tilt, and translational capabilities that can dynamically adjust the probe's orientation and position. This dynamic adaptability allows the measurement system to access complex geometries and maintain high measurement accuracy across varied target configurations without requiring a completely redesigned complex structure.
2Productivity
If multiple axes are synchronized in real-time for enhanced scanning, then productivity and inspection speed improve, but data processing complexity and system control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs real-time feedback mechanisms where encoder systems continuously monitor the position and orientation of each axis, and this data is fed back to the control unit. The control unit synchronizes the movement of multiple axes by processing this feedback information, enabling coordinated motion that enhances inspection speed while managing control complexity through closed-loop control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle various coordination tasks across multiple axes simultaneously. It can manage rotational movement, tilt adjustments, and translational positioning within a single integrated control architecture, reducing the need for separate control systems for each axis and thereby managing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
3Productivity
If automated motorized cartridges are used instead of manual operation, then measurement speed and consistency improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized cartridges are equipped with integrated encoder systems and control circuits that enable them to autonomously execute measurement tasks based on programmed instructions. The system can automatically position the probe, perform measurements, and record data without continuous manual intervention, thereby increasing measurement speed and consistency while managing complexity through automated self-service capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operation of the AACMM is replaced with automated motorized cartridges that use electromagnetic actuators and electronic control systems. This substitution of mechanical manual control with automated electromechanical systems increases measurement speed and consistency while the modular design of the cartridges helps manage the resulting system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some aspects of the invention, auxiliary axis measurement systems for determining three-dimensional coordinates of an object are provided as shown and described herein. According to some aspects of the invention, methods for operating auxiliary axis measurement systems for determining three-dimensional coordinates of an object are provided as shown and described herein.