CMM Sensor Head Coupling via Segmented Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coordinate measuring machines face challenges in automatically changing sensor heads with advanced physical and technical data requirements, such as optical and tactile sensors, due to insufficient transmission paths and unreliable data communication, particularly with gigabit cameras and white light sensors, which often require manual operation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-step changing system is introduced, utilizing a first changing interface for mechanical and electrical connections and a second changing interface for additional transmission media like optical wave guides, allowing for automatic sensor head changes by separating the cable connections and using identification systems to determine the type of change needed, ensuring precise movement paths and compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single changing interface is used for sensor head coupling, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot provide sufficient transmission paths for modern sensors with diverse requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The changing interface is divided into two separate interfaces: a first changing interface for mechanical and electrical connections, and a second changing interface for optical wave guide connections. This segmentation allows each interface to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing comprehensive support for diverse sensor types.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual changing interface system provides universal compatibility by supporting multiple transmission media (electrical cables and optical wave guides) through separate dedicated interfaces, enabling the coordinate measuring machine to work with various sensor types including gigabit cameras and white light sensors.
2Reliability
If cable connections are integrated in the carrier structure, then data transmission is reliable, but the line quality and transmission paths are insufficient for modern sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission paths are segmented into separate physical connections: electrical cables for electrical signals and optical wave guides for optical signals. This separation ensures that each transmission medium can be optimized for its specific requirements without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The second changing interface acts as an intermediary specifically for optical wave guide connections, providing a dedicated pathway for optical signal transmission between the sensor head and the coordinate measuring machine, thereby ensuring reliable data transmission for optical sensors.
3Measurement precision
If manual changing operation is used, then precise positioning is achieved, but the changing time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor head changing system incorporates self-service features including automatic recognition of sensor types through identification systems, automated coupling and decoupling mechanisms at both changing interfaces, and automated positioning, thereby achieving rapid changing operations without manual intervention while maintaining precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If optical wave guides are integrated in turn-swivel joints, then optical transmission is enabled, but the integration is extremely difficult due to bending radius and coupling loss requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The optical wave guide connection is segmented from the mechanical turn-swivel joint structure. The second changing interface for optical connections is positioned and designed separately, allowing optical wave guides to be routed through dedicated pathways that satisfy minimum bending radius requirements without constraining the mechanical joint's rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated second changing interface serves as an intermediary for optical wave guide connections, providing a specialized coupling mechanism that addresses the specific requirements of optical transmission (bending radius, coupling alignment) without complicating the primary mechanical turn-swivel joint design.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatically receiving a sensor head of a coordinate measuring machine. The sensor head comprises a first changing interface for coupling the sensor head with a carrier structure of the coordinate measuring machine, and a second changing interface for coupling a cable element with the carrier structure. The second changing interface of the sensor head is arranged on an end of the cable element distal to the sensor head, and is spatially separated from the first changing interface. The sensor head is initially provided in a magazine location of the coordinate measuring machine. The sensor head is received with the first changing interface in a first receiver of the magazine location, and the second changing interface is received in a second receiver of the magazine location.