Coordinate Positioning Machine With Hexapod Metrology Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coordinate positioning machines face challenges in achieving accurate and efficient movement and measurement due to the integration of drive and metrology systems, which often compromise on speed, accuracy, or cost, particularly in non-hexapod drive arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A coordinate positioning machine design that separates the metrology and drive arrangements, utilizing a hexapod metrology system for precise position measurement in six degrees of freedom and a non-hexapod drive arrangement, such as a tri-glide or delta robot, to enable quick movement with high accelerations and reduced production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a hexapod drive arrangement is used to move the structure, then positioning accuracy is improved, but movement speed and acceleration are reduced due to the heavy integration of drive motors with the moving structure
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent arrangements: a hexapod metrology arrangement for measurement and a non-hexapod drive arrangement for movement. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanisms are extracted from the moving structure and placed on the fixed structure. This removes the heavy motors from the moving mass, enabling faster acceleration and speed while the separate metrology arrangement maintains positioning accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a hexapod drive arrangement with integrated motors is used, then positioning control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to six independent drive systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates metrology and drive functions into independent arrangements, allowing the use of fewer, simpler drive mechanisms while maintaining six-degree-of-freedom measurement capability through the hexapod metrology arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The hexapod metrology arrangement serves multiple functions: it provides both the measurement capability for six degrees of freedom and acts as a structural support framework, reducing the need for separate expensive drive components.
3Measurement precision
If metrology and drive arrangements are integrated in a hexapod configuration, then measurement capability is improved, but movement performance deteriorates due to increased mass and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The metrology arrangement and drive arrangement are segmented into separate systems. The hexapod metrology arrangement provides measurement without drive functions, while the non-hexapod drive arrangement provides movement without metrology functions, eliminating the mass and complexity penalty of integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the independent metrology and drive arrangements, using measurement data from the hexapod system to control the non-hexapod drive mechanisms, achieving both measurement accuracy and movement performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A coordinate positioning machine that includes: a structure moveable within a working volume of the machine, a hexapod metrology arrangement for measuring the position of the structure within the working volume, and a non-hexapod drive arrangement for moving the structure around the working volume. Also, a coordinate positioning machine including a structure moveable within a working volume of the machine, a drive arrangement for moving the structure around the working volume in fewer than six degrees of freedom, and a metrology arrangement for measuring the position of the structure within the working volume in more degrees of freedom than the drive arrangement.