CMM Touch Probe Flash Memory Trigger Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch probes in coordinate measurement systems face challenges in achieving high accuracy measurements with internal signal processing and memory functions in a compact configuration, often requiring trade-offs between size, reliability, ease of use, and maintenance, while also struggling to store and communicate operating data effectively.
Innovation Solution
A touch probe configuration that includes a displacement sensor, a trigger signal generating circuit, a trigger counter processing circuit, and a probe flash memory, allowing for the permanent storage of accumulated trigger signals without increasing size or requiring a battery, enabling high reliability data recording and easy interaction with the host CMM system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If internal signal processing and memory functions are added to the touch probe, then measurement capability and data storage are improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the trigger counter processing circuit and flash memory directly into the probe head assembly, merging multiple functions (displacement sensing, trigger signal generation, trigger counting, and data storage) into a single integrated device. This eliminates the need for separate external counters and memory devices, thereby improving measurement capability while avoiding additional size increase from separate components.
2Ease of operation
If volatile memory is used for data storage in the probe, then data accessibility is improved, but reliability decreases due to power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the memory parameter from volatile to non-volatile (flash memory), enabling data to be retained without power. The flash memory maintains all trigger count data permanently, and the system retrieves this data when powered on, achieving both reliability (permanent retention) and accessibility (data available upon power-up).
3Duration of action of moving object
If a battery is added to the touch probe for power supply, then operational autonomy is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The probe utilizes the host CMM system's power supply to operate its electronic components (flash memory, trigger counter circuitry). The probe does not need its own battery because it draws power from the host system during operation, and the flash memory retains data without power. This eliminates battery complexity while maintaining full functionality.
4Quantity of substance
If trigger count data is stored externally, then storage capacity is improved, but ease of use and portability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger counter processing circuit and flash memory are nested within the probe head assembly itself. The probe contains its own data storage and processing capabilities internally, allowing the probe to be used independently across different host systems without carrying external counters or memory devices. This improves portability and ease of use while maintaining unlimited storage capacity.
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 the storage of hundreds of millions of trigger signals in a compact form, facilitating monitoring of stylus wear, calibration, and maintenance, while maintaining high accuracy and ease of use, without the need for additional components or power sources.
Implementation Method 1
a displacement sensor configured to output at least one sensor signal that is responsive to displacement of a stylus attached to the touch probe
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method are provided for operating a touch probe for a coordinate measuring machine, wherein a value is permanently stored in the touch probe corresponding to an accumulated number of trigger signals generated in the touch probe over its operating history. For a non-erase cycle during which an erasable trigger counter block (e.g., included in a flash memory) of the touch probe is not erased, increasing values of an accumulated trigger count are stored in N address locations of the erasable trigger counter block. After all of the N address locations have been used, an erase operation sequence is performed, and a new non-erase cycle is initiated for repeating the process. In various implementations, the touch probe may not include an embedded processor or battery, for which the types of circuitry and methods that may be utilized for maintaining and storing the accumulated trigger count are correspondingly limited.