Coordinate Measuring Machine Thermal Control for Ambient Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) face challenges in maintaining precise measurements under varying ambient temperatures without requiring expensive refrigeration systems or passive heat conductors, especially when used outdoors or in unconditioned environments.
Innovation Solution
A CMM with an active temperature control system that includes a control unit, temperature sensors, and heating elements to maintain a constant and uniform temperature of its structural elements, using passive thermal insulation and air-guiding tunnels to manage thermal exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external ambient temperature stabilization system is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The CMM uses its own internal electric components (motors, drives, electronics) to generate heat that warms the structure, making the system self-sufficient for temperature stabilization without requiring external air conditioning or separate heating systems
Solution Approach 2:
The electric components serve dual functions: performing their primary operational tasks (movement, control) and simultaneously acting as heating elements for thermal stabilization of the CMM structure
2Temperature
If refrigerating elements and liquid coolant circuits are used, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex refrigerating elements and liquid coolant circuits from the temperature stabilization system, retaining only the essential heating functionality provided by internal electric components
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, robust heating elements (internal electric components) that are inexpensive and maintenance-free compared to complex refrigeration systems, accepting that heating is sufficient for the application needs
3Measurement precision
If active heating system is added, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric components perform dual functions - their primary operational function and simultaneous heating function - thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated heating elements that would consume additional energy
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes its own operational energy consumption to provide thermal stabilization, converting waste heat from motors and electronics into useful thermal energy for maintaining structural temperature
4Measurement precision
If temperature stabilization system is added, then measurement precision is improved, but weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary components (refrigeration systems, liquid coolant circuits, passive heat conductors) from the temperature stabilization system, retaining only the essential heating functionality that is already present in the form of internal electric components
Solution Approach 2:
Existing electric components serve dual purposes - operational tasks and thermal stabilization - eliminating the need for additional dedicated temperature control hardware that would increase weight
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 precise measurements independent of ambient temperature fluctuations, allowing for portable and energy-efficient operation with reduced weight and cost.
Implementation Method 1
the control unit is configured to receive the temperature values and to control the heating elements based on the received temperature values
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensors are configured to generate temperature values and to transmit the temperature values to the control unit
Implementation Method 3
one or more covers, wherein each cover encloses at least partially one or more of the frame elements and is configured to provide passive thermal insulation to reduce thermal exchange between the one or more enclosed frame elements and a surrounding of the machine
Data Source
AI summary
A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) for determining at least one spatial coordinate of a measurement point on an object, the CMM comprising a structure comprising a base and a plurality of frame elements, wherein a probe head is attached to one of the frame elements and movable relative to the base, wherein the CMM comprises a temperature control system configured to control a temperature of a plurality of frame elements of the structure and comprising a control unit, one or more temperature sensors, and one or more heating elements, wherein the control unit is configured to control the heating elements based on the temperature values received from the temperature sensors.