Coordinate Measuring Machine Active Damping for Vibration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) face challenges in accurately measuring objects due to dynamic errors caused by vibrations, oscillations, and deformations, which are not effectively addressed by existing methods that primarily focus on static error compensation and simple speed-dependent calibration.

Innovation Solution

A method using a dynamic state model and state-space controller to manage natural frequencies and reject environmental disturbances by actively damping vibrations and oscillations, with a Kalman filter and observers to estimate and control the machine's state variables, ensuring precise movement and measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the frame structure is made of stone (granite) to achieve high static stiffness and good damping properties, then measurement precision is improved, but the machine weight increases significantly requiring high forces for acceleration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidmachine weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from traditional granite to carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), which has fundamentally different mechanical properties - lower density but high specific stiffness. This material substitution resolves the contradiction by achieving adequate stiffness with significantly reduced weight, enabling faster acceleration while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) instead of homogeneous stone materials. The CFRP combines carbon fibers for stiffness and strength with polymer matrix for damping and weight reduction, creating a material that simultaneously addresses the conflicting requirements of precision and accelerability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If the frame structure is made heavy with stone to achieve high static stiffness, then structural stability is improved, but dynamic errors from vibrations and resonances during movement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic modeling and control techniques to compensate for vibrations and resonances that occur during axis movement. By creating a dynamic model of the machine structure and using active compensation algorithms, the system maintains measurement precision despite dynamic disturbances, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and dynamic performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces passive mechanical stiffness (relying on heavy stone structure) with active dynamic compensation using sensors and control algorithms. This substitution allows the lighter CFRP structure to achieve the same level of measurement precision through electronic and computational means rather than purely mechanical mass

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If conventional static error compensation methods are used, then static measurement accuracy is improved, but dynamic errors from accelerations and vibrations are not effectively addressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatic measurement accuracyVSAvoiddynamic measurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static to dynamic error compensation by implementing a dynamic model that accounts for accelerations, vibrations, and resonances during movement. The model predictive control calculates optimal compensation forces based on predicted dynamic behavior, effectively addressing dynamic measurement errors that static methods cannot handle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses model predictive control to calculate compensation forces in advance based on the planned trajectory and predicted dynamic response. By pre-calculating the necessary compensation before movement occurs, the system proactively counteracts dynamic errors rather than reacting to them after they affect measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If input-shaping or model predictive control is used to suppress deflections and vibrations, then dynamic measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic measurement precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical damping structures with a computational approach using dynamic modeling and model predictive control. By using software-based compensation algorithms rather than additional mechanical dampers or actuators, the system achieves dynamic precision while keeping the physical device complexity manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach significantly reduces measurement uncertainties and errors by actively managing vibrations and oscillations, improving the accuracy and precision of CMMs, especially in high-frequency regions relevant for measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

The dynamic model may be based on a Kalman filter and/or implemented using respective observers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectKalman filter:

Implementation Method 2

A model-based state controller (31) for controlling the driving unit, the model-based state controller (31) comprising a set of at least one controlling state variable which depends on the actual state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectActive damping: Damping

Implementation Method 3

filtering the controlling signal concerning a known frequency response (oscillation behaviour) related to a physical property of at least one of the structural components by use of a frequency-filter element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP4080162A1Active damping of a measuring device
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 HEXAGON INNOVATION HUB GMBH
  • EP4080162A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4080162A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4a
  • EP4080162A1 patent drawingFigure 4b~6

AI summary

Method for provide avoiding of excitations of oscillations of a measuring machine (1,2) and/or for reducing or damping such oscillations by actively controlling a driving unit of the measuring machine (1,2) or actively controlling an actuation of an additionally attached actuator. The method using information about an actual state of the measuring device (1,2), the actual state is derived based on a dynamic model and/or by use of a suitable sensor unit. A state controller, an actuator or a frequency-filtering element are used for counteracting or preventing oscillations.