Chromatic Confocal Measuring Head With Exchangeable Fiber Apertures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chromatic confocal measuring devices require fixed fiber connections, limiting the ability to change fiber properties, which affects the compromise between resolution and signal strength, and necessitate replacing the entire measuring head for different measurement tasks, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A detachable fiber connector system with confocal apertures at the fiber ends, allowing interchangeable fibers to optimize aperture size and geometry for specific measurement tasks, maintaining consistent positioning and minimizing stray light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fiber connectors are made exchangeable to optimize aperture size for different measurement tasks, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for detachable connections and precise alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter and fiber ends are integrated into a single detachable connector unit that connects to the measuring head. This merging of components into a pre-assembled module simplifies the overall system while enabling fiber exchangeability, as the connector contains all necessary alignment and separation functions in one interchangeable unit
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable connector design with standardized interfaces allows the same connector type to accommodate different fiber configurations and measurement tasks. The universal connector interface enables multiple functions (different aperture sizes, fiber types) to be achieved through a single standardized connection mechanism rather than requiring dedicated fixed installations for each configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If fiber connectors are made exchangeable to optimize aperture size for different measurement tasks, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to maintain alignment and minimize stray light
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter and fiber ends are pre-aligned and fixed relative to each other during connector manufacturing. This preliminary alignment action ensures that when the connector is attached to the measuring head, the optical paths are already correctly positioned, eliminating the need for complex field alignment procedures and reducing the precision burden on final assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates self-aligning features where the optical components automatically position themselves correctly upon insertion into the measuring head. The conjugated positions of fiber ends and beam splitter are designed to self-align through mechanical constraints or optical feedback, minimizing the need for high-precision manual adjustment and ensuring consistent alignment without complex calibration procedures
3Measurement precision
If a beam splitter unit is integrated into the measuring head to reduce stray light, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because fibers cannot be replaced or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into separate functional modules: the beam splitter unit integrated in the measuring head and the fiber connector as a separate interchangeable component. This segmentation allows the beam splitter to remain permanently installed for stray light reduction while the fiber connector can be independently exchanged, combining the benefits of both integrated precision optics and flexible fiber replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed fiber connection to a dynamic interchangeable connector system. The detachable connector allows the fiber configuration to be changed based on measurement requirements while maintaining the integrated beam splitter for precision. This dynamic adaptability enables optimization of the aperture-fiber diameter-product for different measurement tasks without compromising measurement accuracy
4Measurement precision
If fixed fiber connections are used to maintain consistent optical paths, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as the same measuring head cannot be used for different measurement tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system transitions from a static fixed fiber configuration to a dynamic interchangeable connector system. The detachable connector allows the fiber aperture size and properties to be changed based on measurement requirements while maintaining consistent alignment through standardized interfaces. This enables the same measuring head to be adapted for different measurement tasks by simply changing the fiber connector
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 flexible adjustment of resolution and signal strength for various measurement tasks without recalibration, reducing costs and space requirements while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter (12) and a second optical fiber (6)... in such a way that the outgoing and returning light are separated
Implementation Method 2
The first fiber end (10) is imaged onto a measurement object (14) by the measuring head (2)... the cross-section of the first fiber defines the diameter of the measurement spot
Implementation Method 3
The first fiber end (10) is imaged onto a measurement object (14) by the measuring head (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical measuring device comprising a measuring head with an imaging optical unit and an evaluation unit, wherein the measuring head is connected to the evaluation unit by way of two light-guiding fibers, wherein the evaluation unit comprises a light source whose light is guided through the first light-guiding fiber into the measuring head and wherein light reflected by the measurement object is guided back through the measuring head and into a second light-guiding fiber by means of a beam splitter, in such a way that outgoing and returning light are separated, wherein the fiber ends are in mutually conjugate positions, wherein the beam splitter and the fiber ends are arranged together in a plug that is separably connected to the measuring head.