Modular Optical Profilometer with Fiber Optic Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical white light profilometers are limited in measuring surfaces that are not normal to their optical axis, preventing them from accurately profiling complex or internal surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A modular optical white light profilometer design with a separable measurement head connected via a coherent fiber optic bundle, allowing for articulation and positioning in multiple axes, including rotational capabilities, to access and measure complex geometries and internal surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional optical white light profilometer uses a fixed optical axis design, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot measure surfaces that are not normal to the optical axis
Solution Approach 1:
The profilometer is divided into separate modules: a measurement head containing optical components and a separate positioning system. This segmentation allows the measurement head to be articulated independently to access complex geometries while keeping the base unit simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement head is made dynamically positionable through articulation mechanisms that allow it to tilt and rotate, enabling measurement of surfaces at various angles rather than being fixed in a static orientation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the measurement head is integrated with the base unit, then the device structure is rigid and simple, but it cannot access internal surfaces or small spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The profilometer is divided into separate modules: a measurement head containing optical components and a separate positioning system. This segmentation allows the measurement head to be articulated independently to access complex geometries while keeping the base unit simple.
Solution Approach 2:
A coherent fiber optic bundle acts as an intermediary, transmitting light between the measurement head and the sample surface, enabling flexible positioning while maintaining optical functionality.
3Productivity
If the profilometer uses a fixed positioning system, then the device is simple to operate, but it cannot rapidly measure complex part geometries from multiple angles
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement head is made dynamically positionable through articulation mechanisms that allow it to tilt and rotate, enabling measurement of surfaces at various angles rather than being fixed in a static orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically adjust the measurement head's position and orientation based on the sample geometry, reducing manual operation complexity while enabling rapid multi-angle measurements.
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 high-resolution three-dimensional surface measurements of complex and internal surfaces, providing a broader range of angles and access to areas conventional profilometers cannot reach, with improved precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
separates the measurement head from the remainder of the profilometer body so that the measurement head can be inserted into small spaces
Data Source
AI summary
A white light optical profilometer having a measurement head that is separated from the base unit by means of a fiber optic bundle. The measurement head contains a Michelson objective, whose reference path is folded so that the measurement head may be compact. The measurement head also contains a tilting mirror, which directs light from the surface of interest to the objective, and may be adjusted to allow the measurement head to scan complex surfaces. The base unit contains the other elements of the profilometer, such as an image detector and illuminator.