Confocal Measuring Apparatus Simplified Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing confocal measuring apparatuses for 3D object surface measurement are complex and require adjustments, which hinders high measurement throughput.
Innovation Solution
A confocal measuring apparatus with a simplified structure, utilizing a multiplexer optics that eliminates the need for a complex aperture array, combined with a lens array, chromatic telescope, single pinhole aperture, collimation optics, and spatially resolved detection device, enabling high spatial resolution and parallel multi-channel measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an aperture array is used for spatial filtering in confocal measuring apparatuses, then spatial resolution is improved, but device complexity and adjustment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spatial filtering function from a complex aperture array and implements it using a single pinhole aperture combined with a lens array. The lens array focuses light from different spatial positions to different locations on the detector, achieving spatial filtering without requiring multiple apertures. This simplifies the device structure while maintaining spatial resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lens array as an intermediary component between the single pinhole aperture and the detector. The lens array performs the spatial filtering function that would otherwise require a complex aperture array, by mapping spatial positions to different detector locations through optical focusing. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system while achieving the desired spatial resolution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex aperture array is used for multi-channel measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function into multiple independent channels by using a lens array with multiple lenses, each responsible for a specific spatial region. Each lens focuses light from its corresponding spatial region to a distinct location on the detector, enabling parallel multi-channel measurement. This segmentation approach provides versatility without requiring complex adjustments, as each channel operates independently.
3Reliability
If traditional confocal measuring apparatuses are used, then measurement function is achieved, but productivity deteriorates due to complex structure requiring adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a simplified integrated system. The single pinhole aperture, lens array, and detector work together as a unified system that achieves the same measurement function as traditional complex apparatuses. The lens array combines the functions of multiple apertures and beam paths into a single optical element, enabling parallel measurement channels that increase productivity without sacrificing measurement reliability.
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
The apparatus achieves high measurement throughput with simplified structure, avoiding complex adjustments and ensuring high spatial resolution and efficient data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
a lens array having a plurality of array lenses
Implementation Method 2
a chromatic telescope imaging an object plane into an arrangement plane of the lens array
Implementation Method 3
a single pinhole aperture, which is arranged at a distance of the focal length of the multiplexer optics, downstream of the multiplexer optics in the beam path of the measuring light
Implementation Method 4
a collimation optics which is arranged downstream of the pinhole aperture in the beam path of the measuring light
Data Source
AI summary
A confocal measuring apparatus serves for 3D measurement of an object surface. The measuring apparatus has a light source for measuring light, a lens array having a plurality of array lenses, a chromatic telescope, multiplexer optics, collimation optics and spatially resolved detection device. The chromatic telescope images an object plane into an arrangement plane of the lens array. The multiplexer optics is arranged at a distance of a total of a focal length of the array lenses on the one hand and a focal length of the multiplexer optics, downstream of the lens array. A single pinhole aperture is arranged at a distance of the focal length of the multiplexer optics. The collimation optics is arranged downstream of the pinhole aperture. A confocal measuring apparatus results, which has a simplified design and at the same time a high measurement throughput.