Auxiliary-Axis Coordinate Measurement for Larger Scanning Envelopes
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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 provides additional degrees of freedom such as rotation, tilt, and translation, synchronized with the primary axis system to enhance scanning volume, usability, and accuracy, allowing for real-time data collection and reduced inspection time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an auxiliary multi-axis system is integrated with automated cartridges and encoders, then measurement precision and scanning volume are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the auxiliary axis system with the primary AACMM system into an integrated measurement system. The auxiliary bearing cartridges are coupled to the primary arm segments, and the encoder systems are synchronized to operate as a unified multi-axis coordinate measuring machine, thereby improving measurement precision while managing complexity through integration
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary bearing cartridges serve multiple functions: they provide additional rotational axes for expanded scanning volume, maintain articulated arm flexibility, and integrate with the existing encoder system for coordinated measurement. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve enhanced precision without proportionally increasing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional rotational axes are added to provide more degrees of freedom, then scanning volume and usability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary bearing cartridges are nested within or coupled to the existing arm segment structure. The auxiliary rotational axes are positioned within the articulated arm framework, allowing the additional degrees of freedom to be accommodated within the existing structural envelope rather than requiring separate external mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic synchronization between the primary and auxiliary encoder systems, allowing the additional axes to be activated and coordinated as needed for specific measurement tasks. This dynamic control approach enables expanded scanning volume while managing operational complexity through software coordination
3Productivity
If manual operation is used for guiding the probe, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The automated encoder systems and synchronized multi-axis control enable the measurement system to perform complex coordinated movements and data collection automatically. The system serves itself by autonomously coordinating the primary and auxiliary axes, calculating three-dimensional coordinates, and processing measurement data without requiring manual intervention for each measurement operation, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through centralized control
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.