Granite-Based Optical Scale Assembly for Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-precision optical reading devices for machine tools in the manufacturing and mechanical industry require complex mechanical adjustments and are not thermally stable, making them unsuitable for precise measurements during initial checks and preliminary adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A compact, rigid apparatus using a stone material workbench and a metallic structure with alignment stations and a moving head to securely attach an optical glass graduated plate to a thermally stable granite rule, ensuring precise and stable alignment and adhesion, thereby creating a thermally stable and mechanically parallel measuring device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex mechanical adjustments are used in optical reading devices, then alignment precision can be improved, but device complexity and thermal stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with a monolithic integration approach where the optical scale is directly fabricated on the machine tool component. This eliminates mechanical adjustment mechanisms while maintaining alignment precision through direct optical-mechanical coupling, thereby reducing device complexity and improving thermal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the optical scale with the machine tool component into a single integrated unit. By fabricating the optical scale directly on the component surface, the invention combines measurement and structural functions, eliminating separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical adjustment mechanisms are added to improve alignment, then positioning accuracy improves, but thermal stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical adjustment mechanisms that are sensitive to thermal expansion and replacement with a monolithic optical integration where the scale is directly fabricated on the component. This substitution removes thermal instability sources while maintaining positioning accuracy through direct optical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material approaches by integrating optical materials (glass scales, gratings) directly with machine tool materials (metal surfaces, ceramic substrates). This creates a thermally stable composite structure where the optical element and substrate expand together, maintaining alignment under thermal variations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple alignment stations and adjustment mechanisms are used, then measurement precision improves, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple mechanical alignment stations and adjustment mechanisms with a single-step or minimal-step fabrication process where the optical scale is directly created on the component. This substitution dramatically simplifies manufacturing while maintaining measurement precision through direct optical fabrication.
4Stability of the object's composition
If optical glass plate is attached to rule with adhesive, then thermal stability improves due to matching expansion coefficients, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical scale with the machine tool component into a single integrated unit through direct fabrication methods. This eliminates the need for separate adhesion processes and their associated precision requirements, while achieving thermal stability through monolithic integration of materials with matched thermal properties.
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 provides a high-precision, thermally stable optical reading device that eliminates the need for complex mechanical adjustments, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements by maintaining identical thermal expansion coefficients between the optical glass plate and the granite rule, resulting in a robust and precise measuring tool.
Implementation Method 1
both the plate L and the rule R show almost identical thermal expansion coefficients (ΔT = 0,8-0,9 x 10,5)
Implementation Method 2
the adhesive material that, when polymerised (e.g. UV), will make the plate L firmly coupled with the same rule R
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
Apparatus (A) for realizing a measuring device (D) includes workbench means (1) and a bearing structure (2) for at least a sliding operative head (4) with respect to said workbench means (1) on guide means (3) carried by said structure (2); said workbench means (1) having at least a flat surface (1a) on which a natural granite element (R) can be placed; on said element (R) a graduated glass plate (L) is being partially overlapped and firmly coupled and fixed to form the said measuring device (D).