Calibration Body With Distributed Measuring Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing calibration bodies for coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) are inefficient and prone to inaccuracies due to the need for frequent adjustments and lengthy conversion processes, which hinder fast and precise calibration.

Innovation Solution

A calibration body with measuring elements arranged in a distributed manner relative to the base plane, featuring varying lengths and a unique fastening system that allows for continuous scanning of more than half of the measuring standard's surface, eliminating the need for repositioning and reducing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If measuring elements are arranged in a row on the calibration block, then the structure is simple, but multiple repositioning operations are required to measure multiple spatial axes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring elements are arranged in a three-dimensional distributed pattern rather than a simple row, with different heights and spatial positions. This dimensional expansion allows the calibration block to provide measuring positions for multiple spatial axes simultaneously, eliminating the need for repeated repositioning operations while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the calibration block is repositioned to measure multiple spatial axes, then all axes can be calibrated, but positioning errors accumulate and the process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidcalibration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration block is segmented into multiple measuring elements with distinct spatial positions and orientations. Each measuring element is equipped with a scale and spacer that can be independently measured, allowing comprehensive calibration of multiple spatial axes from a single fixed position of the calibration block, thereby avoiding cumulative positioning errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If the spacer cross-section is large for stability, then mechanical strength is improved, but the scanning surface area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespacer stabilityVSAvoidscanning surface area
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer is designed with varying cross-sectional dimensions along its length. The upper portion has a smaller cross-section to maximize the scanning surface area of the scale, while the lower portion near the base body has a larger cross-section to provide sufficient mechanical stability and strength. This local differentiation optimizes both scanning accessibility and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3407012B1Calibration body
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 QS GRIMM
  • EP3407012B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3407012B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Calibration body (1) with a base body (2) to which at least three measuring elements (4) are attached, wherein each measuring element (4) has a spacer (6) which is attached at one end to the base body (2) and at whose free end a dimensioning element (5) is arranged, wherein at least two of the dimensioning elements (5) have different distances to a base plane (3) of the base body (2) and the measuring elements (4) are arranged distributed with respect to the base plane (3) (see Fig. 1).