Integrated Bearing-Angle Scale System for Precision Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angle measuring systems lack high accuracy, robustness, and require significant installation space, making them unsuitable for applications requiring precise rotational movement measurements in machine tools and pick-and-place machines.
Innovation Solution
A compact angle measuring system design featuring a first and second group of components with rolling bodies and a sensor, where the angular scaling is applied in a way that accounts for concentricity deviations, using a graduation ring with magnetic polarization and a sensor like an MR or Hall sensor, and a method for producing this system with finely machined running surfaces and precise assembly to minimize play and maximize accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional angle measuring systems with separate bearings and magnetized graduation rings are used, then the system can perform angle measurements, but the measurement accuracy is insufficient and the installation space is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bearing function and angle scale function into a single integrated bearing unit. The running surfaces are precision-machined to serve both as bearing contact surfaces and as the substrate for the angle scale pattern, eliminating the need for separate bearing components and reducing installation space while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides rotational support through its bearing capability while also serving as the carrier for the angle scale pattern. The running surfaces perform dual roles as both mechanical contact surfaces and reference surfaces for the angle encoding pattern
2Adaptability or versatility
If the angle scale is applied to a separate graduation ring mounted on the bearing hub, then the system structure is flexible, but the concentricity deviations and wobbling errors reduce measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing and angle scale are merged into a single integrated unit where the angle scale pattern is directly applied to the precision-machined running surfaces of the bearing. This integration eliminates concentricity deviations between separate components and removes wobbling errors by ensuring the scale pattern is fixed to the bearing's rotation axis
3Ease of manufacture
If the running surfaces and rolling bodies are manufactured with standard tolerances, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the concentricity deviations degrade the measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The running surfaces are precision-machined to high accuracy tolerances before the angle scale pattern is applied. This preliminary precision machining ensures that when the scale pattern is subsequently applied and the bearing is assembled, the concentricity deviations are minimized, resulting in high measurement accuracy without requiring expensive post-manufacturing adjustments
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 system achieves high measuring accuracy and compactness, allowing for precise rotational position measurement with minimal installation space, enhancing the robustness and precision of angle measurements in machine tools and pick-and-place machines.
Implementation Method 1
The angular scaling is applied in a magnetic manner
Implementation Method 2
Rolling bodies are arranged between the running surfaces of the first and the second component group
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to an angle measuring system comprising one first component group (1) and one second component group (2). The first component group (1 ) is rotationally mounted about an axis (A) in relation to the second component group (2). The first component group (1 ) comprises a ring (1.1) having a running surface (1.14) and angle scaling (1.21 ). The second component group (2) comprises another ring (2.1) having another running surface (2.14) and a sensor (2.2) for scanning the angle scaling (1.21). Rolling bodies (3) are arranged between the running surfaces (1.14, 2.14). Angle scaling (1.21 ) is arranged in such a manner that a geometric pattern of the angle scaling (1.21 ) in a first range (U1) differs from a geometric pattern of the angle scaling (1.21 ) in a second range (U2) in accordance with radial deviations of the running surfaces (1.14, 2.14) and/or the rolling bodies (3).