CMM Quill Interface for Reproducible Probe Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coordinate measuring machines face challenges in automatically and reproducibly replacing probes or sensors due to the need for frequent changes, which results in reduced measuring space, increased machine size, and higher costs, as well as issues with weight and vibrations caused by permanent magnets.
Innovation Solution
A coordinate measuring machine with a quill and interface featuring at least two force-generating devices: a spring for initial positioning and a pneumatically operated piston for holding force generation, ensuring correct meshing of bearings and counter bearings, allowing for automatic and reproducible mounting and storage of probes or sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If permanent magnets are used for holding probe heads or sensors, then the holding force is sufficient, but weight increases causing vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic holding system with a mechanical clamping system using a clamping lever and clamping hook. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy permanent magnets while providing sufficient holding force through mechanical advantage, thereby reducing weight-induced vibrations during measurement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pneumatic cylinder to actuate the clamping lever, providing controlled clamping force through air pressure. This pneumatic actuation system replaces the need for heavy magnetic components while delivering reliable holding force, thus resolving the contradiction between holding force and weight.
2Productivity
If automated probe head exchange is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the interface and clamping mechanism to enable automatic probe head exchange without complex external automation systems. The self-centering interface features and spring-loaded clamping elements allow the system to perform the exchange operation autonomously with minimal control intervention, thereby increasing productivity while keeping device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simplified exchange mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the probe head holder and the measurement system. This intermediary component facilitates automatic exchange through a straightforward mechanical interface, avoiding the need for complex automated handling systems while maintaining high productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent probe head changes are required, then measurement versatility improves, but measurement precision decreases due to positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates self-centering interface features that automatically position the probe head or sensor in the correct location during the exchange process. This preliminary positioning action occurs before the measurement begins, ensuring high positioning accuracy is achieved automatically with each probe head change, thus maintaining measurement precision while enabling measurement versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sensors to detect the position and clamping status of probe heads or sensors during exchange operations. This feedback mechanism ensures that each probe head is correctly positioned and securely clamped before measurements begin, maintaining high positioning accuracy across multiple probe head changes and thereby preserving measurement precision while enabling versatility.
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
Enables automatic and reproducible replacement of probes or sensors, reducing measurement errors, minimizing weight-related vibrations, and maintaining precise positioning, thus enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of coordinate measurements.
Implementation Method 1
at least two force-generating devices acting on the holding device, wherein a first force-generating device is designed as a spring
Implementation Method 2
a second force-generating device is designed as a pneumatically operated piston
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a coordinate measuring machine with an interface arranged on or at least partially in a quill, and a holding device arranged on the interface, wherein at least two force-generating devices are arranged in or on the interface, which are configured as at least two force-generating devices acting on the holding device, wherein a first force-generating device is configured as a spring and wherein a second force-generating device is configured as a pneumatically operated piston. The invention also relates to a method for arranging an interchangeable probe head, an interchangeable sensor, or an interchangeable rotary/swivel joint on or in an interface of a coordinate measuring machine (Fig. 3).