CMM Accessory Integrating Light Source and Camera for Probe Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) face complexity in programming and debugging, especially when measuring complex geometries with hidden parts and large dimensions, leading to errors and crashes due to the incompatibility of existing lighting systems with orientable heads, which hinder visual tracking of probe movements.
Innovation Solution
An articulated light source with rotatable diodes and an image capture device integrated with the CMM's measure head, allowing selective lighting and visual feedback, ensuring the measurement point is always illuminated and visible, and enabling real-time image capture and analysis to prevent crashes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If independent lighting systems and vision systems are used in parallel with orientable heads, then measurement capabilities are enhanced, but device complexity and programming difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting system and vision system into a single integrated accessory that attaches to the measure head. The light source, image capture device, and support structure form one unified component rather than separate parallel systems, reducing the number of independent systems that need to be coordinated and programmed.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated accessory serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides illumination for the measurement point, captures images of the workpiece surface, and can be positioned with the orientable head. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lighting and vision systems, simplifying the overall device architecture and programming.
2Loss of information
If complex lighting systems are employed to track probe movements, then visual tracking improves, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system automatically follows the measure head and measurement point as the head moves to different positions and orientations. The light source is positioned on the support structure such that it naturally tracks with the head movements, eliminating the need for complex active tracking mechanisms or manual repositioning by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an articulated support structure with multiple degrees of freedom that allows the light source and image capture device to be positioned in three-dimensional space relative to the measure head. This spatial arrangement enables automatic visual tracking of the measurement point without requiring complex control systems.
3Productivity
If modular tool systems with automatic switching are used, then measurement efficiency improves, but programming complexity and error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the lighting and imaging functions directly into the measure head assembly, creating a permanent fixture rather than a detachable modular tool. This eliminates the need for automatic tool switching mechanisms and the complex programming required to manage multiple interchangeable tools, while maintaining continuous measurement capability.
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 simplifies the programming of complex parts by providing continuous visual feedback and reducing crash risks, allowing operators to track probe movements without leaving the workstation, enhancing measurement accuracy and reducing errors during programming and debugging.
Implementation Method 1
a light source connectable adjacent to the measure probe of a CMM and allowing selective lighting of the measure point
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
An accessory for an articulated head of a tridimensional coordinate measuring machine, machine tool or programmable manipulator. The invention includes a light source that is applicable adjacent to the measure probe in order to light selectively the measure point. The accessory can include an image capture device.