Coordinate Measuring Machine Base With Underneath Guides
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coordinate measuring machines have complex and costly structures with discontinuous upper surfaces due to guide arrangements, which are prone to dirt accumulation and require costly protection systems, and often result in increased base height to balance torque, leading to inefficiencies and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal arm coordinate measuring machine with a base featuring sliding guides underneath side wings, providing a flat, treadable upper surface and an isostatic constraint system using ball circulation runners and a simple, cost-effective design that eliminates the need for protective ribbons and reduces the risk of dirt accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If guides are arranged on the upper surface of the base, then the first carriage can slide along the axis X, but the upper surface presents a discontinuity and requires complex protection systems
Solution Approach 1:
The guides are relocated from the upper surface (2D plane) to the lower surface of the base, utilizing the third dimension (vertical space) to resolve the conflict between carriage movement and surface continuity. This dimensional repositioning eliminates the need for protective ribbons while maintaining operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The guides are extracted from the upper surface and placed underneath the base, separating the guiding function from the working surface. This extraction allows the upper surface to remain continuous and treadable while the guides perform their function independently below.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If protective ribbons are used to cover the guides, then dirt accumulation is prevented, but the system becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The guides are extracted from the accessible upper surface and positioned in the inaccessible lower surface area. This spatial extraction eliminates the need for protective ribbons entirely, as the guides are naturally protected by their location while remaining functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure itself provides protection for the guides through its enclosure, eliminating the need for separate protective components. The guides are self-protected by their strategic placement within the base structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the base height is increased to balance torque, then structural stability is improved, but the machine becomes taller and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding structure is moved to the lower dimension of the base, allowing torque balancing to be achieved through horizontal distribution rather than vertical height increase. This dimensional shift maintains stability while reducing overall height.
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 results in a cost-effective, simple, and efficient coordinate measuring machine with a flat, continuous upper surface that minimizes dirt accumulation and manufacturing costs, while maintaining structural rigidity and allowing for expanded measuring volume without complex protection systems.
Implementation Method 1
A first carriage (4) mobile on the base (2) along the axis X and provided with guides (5) extending along a vertical axis Z
Implementation Method 2
A carriage is movable along the guides and is supported thereon by means of first air bearings sliding on top surfaces of the guides
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A coordinate measuring machine (1) comprising a base (2) provided with guides (3) parallel to a first axis X, a first carriage (4) mobile on the guides (3) along the axis X and provided with an upright (17), a second carriage (6) carried by the upright (17) and mobile along a second vertical axis Z, and a horizontal arm (7) carried by the second carriage (6) and mobile along a third horizontal axis Y perpendicular to the axis X; the guides (3) of the first carriage (4) are arranged underneath a top wall (12) of the base (2), which is therefore flat and treadable.