Auxiliary-Axis Coordinate Measurement for Larger 3D Scanning Volume
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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 encoders, 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 within a single coordinate system, enabling real-time data collection and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an auxiliary multi-axis system is integrated to expand scanning volume and add degrees of freedom, then measurement capability and scanning volume are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the auxiliary multi-axis system with the primary AACMM through a shared coordinate system and synchronized data collection. The auxiliary system's encoder data is integrated with the primary system's data stream, allowing expanded scanning volume without requiring separate measurement systems or complex post-processing synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary multi-axis system is designed to work in conjunction with the primary AACMM, providing additional degrees of freedom while maintaining compatibility with existing measurement protocols. The shared coordinate system allows the system to handle both simple and complex measurement tasks through a unified platform.
2Productivity
If automated cartridges with encoders are used to collect data from multiple axes simultaneously, then measurement speed and accuracy are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated cartridges include integrated encoders that automatically track and record position data from multiple axes simultaneously. The system performs self-synchronization by collecting data from all axes at the same time stamps, eliminating the need for external synchronization hardware or complex post-processing alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual operation and post-processing synchronization with automated encoder-based data collection. The electronic encoding of position data from multiple axes allows for real-time synchronization without mechanical coupling or complex mechanical synchronization mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If post-processing synchronization is eliminated through real-time data collection, then measurement accuracy is improved, but processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization by collecting data from all axes simultaneously at the same time stamps during the measurement process itself. This real-time data collection approach eliminates the need for time-consuming post-processing synchronization, as the data is already aligned when acquired.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated encoder system continuously collects position data from all axes throughout the measurement process, maintaining uninterrupted data flow and synchronization. This continuous data collection ensures that no synchronization corrections are needed later, as the data is captured in real-time alignment.
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.