Continuous Fiber-Optic Plate for Optical Position Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical position-measuring devices face challenges in assembly precision and contamination due to the use of separate fiber-optic plates and scanning reticles, which can lead to operational issues with dirt accumulation and increased assembly complexity.

Innovation Solution

A continuous fiber-optic plate is used in front of both detector arrangements, eliminating edges and protrusions where dirt can accumulate, and incorporating a scanning grating on the fiber-optic plate to transmit both absolute and incremental track information, simplifying assembly and reducing contamination risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate fiber-optic plate and scanning reticle are used, then both absolute and incremental measuring graduations can be scanned, but assembly precision deteriorates due to the need for precise alignment of multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to scan both absolute and incremental measuring graduationsVSAvoidassembly precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the separate fiber-optic plate and scanning reticle into a single integrated scanning reticle that incorporates both the fiber-optic plate and the scanning grating. This integration eliminates the need for precise alignment between separate components, thereby resolving the technical contradiction by maintaining the capability to scan both absolute and incremental measuring graduations while improving assembly precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate fiber-optic plate and scanning reticle are used, then both absolute and incremental measuring graduations can be scanned, but reliability deteriorates due to dirt accumulation at edges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to scan both absolute and incremental measuring graduationsVSAvoidoperational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the separate fiber-optic plate and scanning reticle into a single integrated scanning reticle. This integration eliminates the edge between separate components where dirt could accumulate, thereby resolving the technical contradiction by maintaining the capability to scan both measuring graduations while improving operational reliability through contamination-free operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate fiber-optic plate and scanning reticle are used, then both absolute and incremental measuring graduations can be scanned, but device complexity increases due to multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to scan both absolute and incremental measuring graduationsVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the separate fiber-optic plate and scanning reticle into a single integrated scanning reticle, thereby reducing the number of components from two separate parts to one integrated component. This resolves the technical contradiction by maintaining the capability to scan both absolute and incremental measuring graduations while simplifying the device structure and reducing component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution simplifies the assembly process by aligning a single continuous component, reduces contamination risks, and ensures reliable operation by eliminating dirt accumulation, while maintaining the ability to transmit both absolute and incremental track information effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a fiber-optic plate having a plurality of optical fibers arranged adjacent to one another, which has an image entry area facing the scale and an image exit area facing the detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

at least one light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS11656105B2Optical position-measuring device

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 DR JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH

AI summary

An optical position-measuring device includes a scale and a scanning unit. The scale is connected to a first object, extends along a measurement direction and includes a first track having an incremental measuring graduation, and a second track having an absolute measuring graduation. The scanning unit is connected to a second object and includes a light source, a detector having an absolute detector arrangement configured to detect an aperiodic light pattern transmitted from the absolute measuring graduation onto a detection plane and an incremental detector arrangement configured to detect a periodic light pattern transmitted from the incremental measuring graduation onto a detection plane, and a fiber-optic plate arranged as a continuous component in front of the absolute detector arrangement and the incremental detector arrangement, wherein both absolute track information and incremental track information in the respective detection planes are transmitted via the fiber-optic plate in this manner.