Electromagnetic Induction for CMM Probe Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coordinate measurement machine (CMM) probe power-up methods, such as direct electrical contacts or battery elements, are complex, expensive, unreliable, and inconvenient, especially when multiple probes are used, as they require precise alignment and can be time-consuming, especially for applications where probes need to be warmed up before measurement.

Innovation Solution

A power transfer configuration using primary and secondary electromagnetic windings, where the primary winding in the storage rack generates a changing electromagnetic field to power the secondary winding within the CMM probe, allowing for efficient power delivery without direct electrical contacts, thus reducing the need for complex mechanical features and alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If direct electrical contacts or battery elements are used to power CMM probes in storage racks, then power can be supplied to the probes, but the system becomes complex, expensive, and requires precise alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply to probeVSAvoidmechanical features and alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct electrical contacts and battery elements with an electromagnetic induction system. A primary winding in the storage rack generates a changing electromagnetic field that induces current in a secondary winding within the probe, eliminating the need for mechanical electrical contacts and complex alignment features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary to transfer power from the storage rack to the probe. The primary winding generates the electromagnetic field, which then induces current in the secondary winding, serving as a non-contact power transfer medium that avoids direct electrical contact complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If CMM probes are warmed up during measurement operations, then measurement accuracy improves, but the process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidwarm-up time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the warming-up action in advance by providing power to the probe while it is stored in the rack. The electromagnetic induction system supplies power to heating elements or circuit components in the probe before measurement, so the probe reaches thermal equilibrium before being attached to the CMM for measurement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple CMM probes are used in measurement operations, then measurement versatility improves, but the complexity of power supply increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe interchangeabilityVSAvoidpower supply configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal power supply system where the storage rack with primary winding can power any probe containing the secondary winding configuration. This standardized electromagnetic induction interface works across multiple probe types, eliminating the need for probe-specific power supply configurations and simplifying the use of multiple interchangeable probes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 method enables reliable and efficient power delivery to CMM probes stored in a rack, reducing the warm-up time and assembly costs, while maintaining probe temperature stability, thus enhancing measurement accuracy and operational convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a primary electromagnetic winding configured to receive power from an alternating current generating power supply and generate a changing electromagnetic field... and a secondary electromagnetic winding generating power usable inside the CMM probe, in response to the changing electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3479054B1Power transfer configuration for supplying power to a detachable probe for a coordinate measurement machine

Publication Date: 2024.01.03 MITUTOYO CORP

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AI summary

A power transfer configuration is disclosed for providing power to a stored coordinate measurement machine (CMM) probe. A storage rack comprising at least one CMM probe receptacle is mounted proximate to a CMM. The CMM may automatically attach and detach from the CMM probe and insert and remove it from the storage rack probe receptacle. The power transfer configuration comprises a primary electromagnetic winding mounted to the storage rack proximate to the probe receptacle, and a secondary electromagnetic winding located internal to and proximate to the CMM probe housing. When the CMM probe is in the probe receptacle, the primary electromagnetic winding receives alternating current and generates a changing electromagnetic field proximate to the CMM probe housing. The secondary electromagnetic winding generates power in the CMM probe in response to receiving the changing electromagnetic field. The CMM probe may be internally heated while stored, using the generated power.