Compact CMM Vertical Axis Probe Movement for Large Working Volume
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) are often large and cumbersome, limiting their portability and working volume, making it difficult to efficiently measure workpieces in various locations.
Innovation Solution
A compact portable CMM design featuring a vertical support, workpiece stage, and a movement configuration with a vertical translation mechanism and rotary motion, allowing for relative motion between the measurement probe and the workpiece within a large working volume, controlled by a sophisticated controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable CMM uses a vertical pillar and horizontally translating arm configuration, then portability is improved, but the working volume is limited to the spacing between the vertical pillar and the fully extended length of the arm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the CMM from a horizontal arm structure to a vertical structure where the measurement probe moves along the vertical axis and rotates about the vertical axis. This dimensional change allows the working volume to extend vertically rather than horizontally, significantly increasing the working volume within the same portable footprint without requiring a horizontally translating arm.
2Weight of moving object
If a CMM is designed to be compact and portable, then ease of movement is improved, but the working volume relative to size is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting the measurement probe's movement and rotation along the vertical axis rather than horizontally, the patent maximizes the working volume in the vertical dimension. This allows a compact portable design to achieve a larger effective working volume relative to its size, as the vertical space is utilized more efficiently than horizontal space in traditional configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement probe is positioned within the vertical support structure, with the probe and its movement mechanisms nested within or along the vertical axis. This nesting approach allows the working volume to be maximized within the compact external dimensions of the portable CMM, achieving a large working volume relative to the overall size.
Data Source
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AI summary
A compact portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM) with a large working volume for measuring workpieces is provided. The CMM includes a vertical support, a workpiece stage and a movement configuration that provides relative motion between a measurement probe and a workpiece. The movement configuration includes a vertical translation mechanism with a vertical translation element that couples to a vertical guide and moves over a vertical translation range. The workpiece stage is located above a top end of the vertical support and at least a majority of the vertical guide and the vertical translation range is located below a top end of the workpiece stage. In various implementations, the movement configuration may also include a rotary motion configuration and a horizontal translation mechanism. A controller controls the movement configuration to provide relative motion between the measurement probe and a workpiece that is located in the working volume on the workpiece stage.