Calibration Standard Mount for Thermal Expansion Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating laser projectors fail to account for temperature-induced changes in the calibration pattern's size and location within the work zone, leading to potential distortion and interference with manufacturing operations.
Innovation Solution
A mounting apparatus with first, second, and third mounts that constrain the calibration standard's movement along specific directions, allowing for unrestrained thermal expansion and contraction, preventing distortion of measurement patterns, and enabling repeatable positioning at multiple locations within the work zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the calibration pattern is rigidly mounted to a structure, then the positional accuracy of the laser projector can be verified, but the calibration pattern distorts due to temperature-induced expansion or contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is divided into multiple independent mounting locations rather than a single rigid structure. The calibration standard is mounted at multiple discrete points that can independently accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, preventing distortion of the calibration pattern while maintaining positional accuracy for laser projector verification
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the calibration standard can be repositioned and remounted at different locations. This dynamic approach allows the calibration pattern to accommodate thermal changes through repositioning rather than rigid constraint, eliminating distortion while maintaining measurement capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the calibration pattern is permanently installed in the work zone, then calibration can be performed at various locations, but the calibration pattern interferes with manufacturing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration standard is designed to be temporarily mounted and removed from different locations within the work zone rather than permanently installed. This dynamic deployment allows calibration to be performed at multiple locations when needed, while the calibration pattern can be completely removed from the work zone during manufacturing operations to eliminate interference
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration standard is temporarily deployed to the work zone for calibration operations and then removed when no longer needed. This temporary deployment strategy allows the calibration pattern to be recovered and discarded from the work zone, eliminating interference with manufacturing operations while maintaining the ability to perform calibration at various locations when required
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 ensures accurate calibration of laser projectors by minimizing distortion due to thermal changes and allows for convenient, repeatable positioning of the calibration standard, enhancing the precision and efficiency of manufacturing operations.
Implementation Method 1
it is also generally desirable to account for changes in the location and/or the size of the calibration pattern within the work zone due to changes in temperature which may cause the calibration pattern to expand or contract
Data Source
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AI summary
A mounting apparatus (34) for repeatable positioning of an item (152) may include a first mount, a second mount, and a third mount (40, 60, 80). The first mount (40) may be configured to receive a first member (120) coupled to the item (152) wherein the first mount (40) may constrain the first member (120) against movement along three mutually-orthogonal directions (44, 46, 48). The second mount (60) may be configured to receive a second member (122) coupled to the item (152) and constrain the second member (122) against movement along two of the directions (46, 48). The third mount (80) may be configured to receive a third member (124) coupled to the item (152) and constrain the third member (124) against movement along one of the directions (46). The first, second, and third members (120, 122, 124) may be at least partially-spherical and may be engaged to the respective first, second, and third mounts (40, 60, 80).