Component Position Measurement Using Laser Blocking and Triangle Similarity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component position measurement methods face challenges in miniaturization, precision, and applicability to convex-concave shapes, with increased costs and potential errors due to pixel count, lens focus, and equipment costs, especially when components are gripped with inclination.

Innovation Solution

A method that measures positional deviations using a laser beam blocked by the component, employing a similarity relationship between virtual triangles to correct the leading end position, allowing for precise measurement in X and Z directions even when the component is inclined, using a chuck, and enabling miniaturization and wide applicability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a laser beam is blocked by the component to measure position, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates when the component is gripped with inclination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy under inclination
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the measurement parameters by introducing inclination angle detection and using trigonometric relationships to correct the blocking position. The system detects the inclination angle θ and applies correction calculations involving sin(θ) and cos(θ) to compensate for the inclined gripping state, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy despite component inclination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the simple mechanical blocking position detection with an optical measurement system that uses laser beams and photoelectric detectors. This substitution enables not only position detection but also inclination angle measurement, providing the data needed for accuracy correction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a CCD imaging device is used to recognize the component, then component position can be recognized, but equipment costs and measurement precision are negatively influenced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent recognition capabilityVSAvoidposition measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the essential measurement function from complex imaging systems. Instead of using a full CCD imaging system, it employs a simplified optical setup with laser beams and photoelectric detectors that directly measure position and inclination, eliminating unnecessary complexity while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses simple, low-cost optical components (laser diodes and photoelectric detectors) instead of expensive CCD cameras. These components are inexpensive, have fast response times, and provide sufficient measurement capability for the application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If the component is gripped by a chuck, then the component can be shifted, but the component may be gripped with large inclination causing position reversal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent shifting capabilityVSAvoidgripping stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements feedback by detecting the inclination angle θ during gripping and using this information to correct the leading end position calculation. The system continuously monitors the inclination and applies real-time corrections, ensuring accurate position recognition even when the chuck grips the component at an angle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This method provides high precision and cost-effectiveness in recognizing the leading end position of components, facilitating precise assembly and broadening the range of applicable components, including convex-concave shapes, even when gripped with inclination.

Implementation Method 1

a laser beam, such as a laser beam, is blocked by the component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2637828B1Component position measurement method
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 YAZAKI CORP
  • EP2637828B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2637828B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2637828B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a component position measurement method capable of accurately recognizing the leading end position of the component, for example, even when the chuck grips the component with an inclination. The component position measurement method includes: gripping a component 1 using a chuck 2 at a gripping position; shifting the component with respect to the gripping position that is registered as a measurement reference position A; blocking light beams 3 and 4 in a direction intersecting the component at a blocking position; measuring a positional deviation of the component at the blocking position in an oblique direction with respect to the chuck using measurement unit; obtaining a deviation amount H by comparing the measurement value with a registered measurement reference position A; obtaining a measurement correction value h of the leading end position C of a component based on a similarity relationship between a virtual triangle a obtained by setting the deviation amount as one side and the measurement reference position A as one point and a virtual triangle b passing through the blocking positions B and B' and a leading end of the component; and obtaining a component leading end position deviation amount ?? by summing the deviation amount H and the measurement correction value h.