3D Fiducial Marks for Dimensional Variation Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiducial marks in existing manufacturing technologies are problematic when dealing with articles of manufacture that have non-trivial dimensional variations, as these variations can cause fiducial marks to be affixed in incorrect locations, leading to inaccurate registration of the article.
Innovation Solution
The use of tangible three-dimensional structures such as conical, spheroidal, and pyramidal surfaces as fiducial marks, which are tolerant of dimensional variations, allowing for accurate representation of fiducial reference points despite variations in the article's dimensions, by creating holes defined by these surfaces and determining their spatial parameters through probing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fiducial marks are used on articles with dimensional variations, then the registration process becomes simpler, but the accuracy of fiducial mark placement deteriorates due to dimensional variations causing marks to be affixed at incorrect locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional fiducial marks to three-dimensional fiducial structures (conical, spheroidal, or pyramidal surfaces). This dimensional change allows the fiducial mark to maintain its reference function even when the article undergoes dimensional variations, as the 3D structure's apex or center point remains a stable reference location regardless of surface deformations or size changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the fiducial mark from flat 2D patterns to 3D structures with specific geometries (cones, spheroids, pyramids). These parameter changes create fiducial marks that are tolerant to dimensional variations in the article, as the apex or center of these 3D structures can be accurately located even when the article's dimensions vary within specified tolerances.
2Measurement precision
If fiducial marks are made tolerant to dimensional variations using 3D structures, then the accuracy of fiducial reference point representation is improved, but the complexity of the fiducial mark structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the fiducial mark structure into distinct geometric components (conical surface, spheroidal surface, or pyramidal surface) that can be independently defined and manufactured. Each 3D fiducial structure is segmented into a recognizable geometric form with a specific apex or center point, making it easier to probe and locate accurately while maintaining tolerance to overall article dimensional variations.
3Reliability
If 3D fiducial structures are used instead of 2D marks, then the reliability of registration is improved despite dimensional variations, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the formation of 3D fiducial structures as a preliminary action during the article manufacturing process itself. The fiducial structures are created integral to the article before the registration process, ensuring they are precisely positioned and dimensioned. This preliminary formation eliminates the need for separate fiducial mark application steps and ensures the fiducial structures are manufactured with the same precision as the article features.
Data Source
AI summary
The illustrative embodiment of the present invention uses a tangible three-dimensional structure as a fiducial mark, which structure is, at least partially, tolerant of dimensional variations in the article. The illustrative embodiment uses three such tangible three-dimensional structures: (1) a portion of a tangible conical surface, (2) a portion of a tangible spheroidal surface, and (3) a portion of a tangible pyramidal surface.