Interchangeable Chromatic Range Sensor Probe for CMM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coordinate measuring machines, particularly those using Renishaw type probe head systems, face limitations in incorporating advanced technologies due to a lack of optical fiber connections and limited wired connections, making it difficult to add or exchange probes with additional features or technologies, such as chromatic range sensors, which are not easily attachable or interchangeable.
Innovation Solution
The development of an interchangeable chromatic range sensor (CRS) probe system that includes all necessary light transmitting and receiving elements within the probe assembly, allowing for automatic connection to a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) through a standard auto exchange joint with limited conductive connections, and enabling self-contained operation with power and control signals transmitted through the joint connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard auto exchange joint with limited conductive connections is used, then the probe system can be automatically exchanged and integrated with existing CMMs, but it becomes difficult to incorporate advanced technologies like chromatic range sensors that require optical fiber connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, optical elements, and detector into an integrated probe assembly where all optical components are self-contained within the probe head. This merging eliminates the need for external optical fiber connections while maintaining advanced chromatic range sensing capabilities, resolving the contradiction between technological advancement and connection simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The probe assembly is designed with multi-functionality by integrating multiple optical elements (light source, beam splitter, focusing lens, detector) into a single universal unit that can perform chromatic range sensing without requiring specialized external connections. This universal design allows the probe to be exchanged using standard auto exchange joints while maintaining advanced functionality
2Ease of operation
If all light transmitting and receiving elements are included within the probe assembly, then the probe becomes self-contained and automatically exchangeable, but the device complexity within the probe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into a self-contained probe assembly that includes all necessary optical elements (light source, beam splitter, focusing lens, detector) and separates it from the CMM controller. This segmentation enables automatic exchangeability while managing complexity by localizing all probe-specific components within the interchangeable unit
Solution Approach 2:
The probe assembly employs a nested structure where the detector is positioned behind the beam splitter, and optical elements are arranged in concentric or layered configurations. This nesting optimizes space utilization within the compact probe housing, managing internal complexity while maintaining external simplicity and exchangeability
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
This solution allows for the seamless integration and automatic exchangeability of the CRS probe system with existing CMMs, enhancing measurement capabilities by eliminating the need for external optical fiber connections and providing accurate distance measurements through self-contained light generation and processing within the probe assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the optical pen comprises a confocal optical path including a chromatically dispersive optics portion
Implementation Method 2
an electrically powered light source which receives electrical power transmitted through the auto exchange joint element and generates light originating in the CRS probe assembly
Implementation Method 3
a CRS wavelength detector which receives wavelengths reflected into the confocal optical path from the target surface
Data Source
AI summary
An interchangeable chromatic range sensor (CRS) probe for a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The CRS probe is capable of being automatically connected to a CMM under program control. In one embodiment, in order to make the CRS probe compatible with a standard CMM auto exchange joint, all CRS measurement light transmitting and receiving elements (e.g., the light source, wavelength detector, optical pen, etc.) are included in the CRS probe assembly. The CRS probe assembly also includes an auto exchange joint element that is attachable through a standard auto exchange joint connection to a CMM. In one embodiment, in order to provide the required signals through the limited number of connections of the standard CMM auto exchange joint (e.g., 13 pins), a low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) serializer may be utilized for providing additional control and data signals on two signal lines.