Beam Path Adjustment for Large Component Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coordinate measuring machines and laser tracking systems for large components are complex and require multiple measurement systems, leading to large measurement uncertainties and high costs, especially when dealing with large measurement paths and varying ambient conditions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for adjusting a beam path that includes an illumination unit, a beam expander optical unit, and a beam deflection unit, controlled by an evaluation and control unit to track moving objects with improved accuracy, using a single system for both spatial position and angle measurement, reducing complexity and uncertainty.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measurement systems are used for spatial position and angle measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines spatial position measurement and angle measurement into a single measurement system. The beam path adjustment apparatus integrates the functionality of multiple measurement systems by using a unified optical setup that can simultaneously determine both position and orientation of the object, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can measure both spatial position and angles using the same apparatus. The beam expander and deflection units are configured to enable the system to execute different measurement tasks with a single setup, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement systems are used for spatial position and angle measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but measurement uncertainty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging position and angle measurement into a single system, the patent eliminates the uncertainties that arise from coordinating multiple independent systems. The unified measurement approach ensures consistent reference frames and reduces cumulative errors, thereby lowering measurement uncertainty while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurement systems are used, then measurement coverage is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement apparatus that can perform both position and angle measurements, as well as track moving objects across large measurement paths. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to purchase and integrate multiple separate systems, significantly reducing overall cost while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage
4Measurement precision
If exact focal length and angle settings are required, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The beam path adjustment apparatus automatically adjusts the beam path parameters without requiring manual calibration of focal length and angle settings. The system self-calibrates by using the measurement data it collects, eliminating the need for operators to perform complex alignment procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy
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
The solution allows for accurate tracking of moving objects with reduced complexity and cost, enabling precise measurement of large components with tolerance ranges of up to ±10% across varying distances and speeds, without requiring exact focal length or angle settings.
Implementation Method 1
at least one beam expander optical unit configured to divergently expand the illumination light beam
Implementation Method 2
at least one beam deflection unit configured to deflect the illumination light beam spatially about at least two different axes of rotation
Implementation Method 3
at least one detector unit configured to capture a light beam reflected by the object in response to an illumination by the illumination light beam
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for adjusting a beam path for tracking an object includes an illumination unit to generate an illumination light beam, an optical unit with a beam expander optical unit and a beam deflection unit, the beam expander optical unit being configured to divergently expand the illumination light beam and the beam deflection unit being configured to deflect the illumination light beam spatially about two different axes of rotation, a detector unit to capture a light beam reflected by the object in response to an illumination by the illumination light beam and to generate a measurement signal, an evaluation and control unit to evaluate the measurement signal and configured to determine a manipulated variable for setting an effective focal length of the beam expander optical unit and/or for setting a spatial alignment of the beam deflection unit based on the information item in respect of the illumination of the object.