CMM Jogbox Accessory Integration With Counterweight Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) require enhanced operator control and accessory integration for precise measurement tasks, with existing jogboxes lacking flexibility and efficiency in connecting various hardware accessories and ensuring secure authentication.
Innovation Solution
A jogbox with a CMM interface, control hardware, and auxiliary ports for connecting hardware accessories like thermal cameras, bar code scanners, and display devices, along with a counterweight interface to stabilize the device, enabling efficient manual control and secure authentication through fingerprint scanners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for CMM control and accessory functions, then device functionality is comprehensive, but device complexity and operator burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate devices (jogbox, barcode scanner, thermal camera, display device) into a single integrated handheld device. The jogbox housing contains control hardware and provides auxiliary ports that directly couple with hardware accessories, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and reducing operator burden while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions through a single unit: CMM control via jogbox interface, barcode scanning through auxiliary port connection, thermal imaging capability, and display functionality. The auxiliary ports enable the single device to interface with various hardware accessories, providing universal adaptability across different measurement tasks.
2Reliability
If wired authentication methods are used, then security is ensured, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired authentication methods with biometric authentication using a fingerprint scanner. The authentication sensor detects fingerprint patterns and provides secure verification without requiring physical connection or manual entry, thereby maintaining security while significantly improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If handheld design is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a counterweight interface that receives and retains counterweights within the jogbox housing. These counterweights balance the device's center of gravity, providing stability and preventing unwanted movement or tipping when the handheld device is in use, thereby maintaining portability while improving operational stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A jogbox for a coordinate measuring machine with a movable arm has a body forming an interior, and control hardware at least partially within the interior. The control hardware is configured to control the movable arm of the coordinate measuring machine. The jogbox also has an energizing port for energizing or charging the jogbox, and an auxiliary port formed by the body and operatively coupled with the controlling hardware within the interior. The auxiliary port is configured to directly physically connect with at least one hardware accessory that has a hardware interface port. In addition, the auxiliary port is configured to rigidly, removably, and directly couple with the hardware interface port of the at least one hardware accessory. Some embodiments include a counterweight interface configured to receive and retain a counterweight to counterbalance the weight of an accessory.