Hysteresis Compensation in Single-Drive Coordinate Measuring Machines

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Coordinate measuring machines face inaccuracies due to hysteresis error, which is not adequately addressed by existing error compensation techniques that do not account for direction-dependent friction-induced errors in single-scale, single-drive systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that obtain hysteresis error data using calibration blocks or slots, and apply compensation factors to scale readings to correct for hysteresis errors, allowing for accurate measurement of workpiece features without additional bridge scales or drives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-scale, single-drive system is used in a coordinate measuring machine, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to hysteresis error from friction in guideways

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration measurements before actual workpiece measurements to determine hysteresis error characteristics. The system pre-characterizes the guideway friction effects through calibration blocks or slots, storing this error data for subsequent compensation during measurement operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the determined hysteresis error data to compensate scale readings during measurement. The system continuously applies correction factors based on the direction of bridge movement and position, feeding back the calibration information to improve measurement accuracy in real-time operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If conventional error compensation techniques are applied, then static guideway errors are reduced, but hysteresis error from direction-dependent friction remains unaddressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatic error compensationVSAvoidhysteresis error coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static error compensation to dynamic compensation that accounts for direction-dependent hysteresis effects. The system determines separate hysteresis error characteristics for different movement directions (positive and negative) and applies appropriate compensation based on the actual direction of bridge movement, making the compensation adaptive rather than fixed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by measuring and compensating for hysteresis error at multiple bridge positions throughout the measurement range. The system determines position-specific hysteresis error parameters using calibration features, creating a detailed error map that varies with position and direction to accurately compensate for changing friction conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If additional bridge scales or drives are added to eliminate hysteresis error, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehysteresis error eliminationVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies copying by using calibration blocks or slots that replicate the guideway friction conditions without requiring additional measurement scales or drive systems. The calibration features serve as substitutes for actual measurement features, allowing the system to determine hysteresis error characteristics through repeated measurements of these copied geometric elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses calibration blocks or slots as intermediary elements to indirectly determine hysteresis error characteristics. Rather than directly measuring or eliminating hysteresis through additional hardware, the system uses these intermediary calibration features to characterize the friction effects, which then serve as the basis for software-based compensation during actual measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach enhances the accuracy of coordinate measuring machines by effectively compensating for hysteresis errors in single-scale systems, reducing positional measurement errors and maintaining cost and maintenance efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a scale operative to permit scale readings indicating a position of a portion of the bridge along the first guideway

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScale reading:

Implementation Method 2

a probe, such as one using a touch sensor, is movable in three dimensions within a measurement volume to contact the workpiece at various points on the workpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTouch sensing:

Data Source

PatentEP1801537B1Hysteresis compensation in a coordinate measurement machine
Publication Date: 2019.02.20 HEXAGON TECH CENT GMBH
  • EP1801537B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1801537B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1801537B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A single-scale, single-drive coordinate measuring machine that compensates for hysteresis error caused by friction at the non-driven end of the bridge. The coordinate measuring machine is calibrated to estimate hysteresis effects at one or more distances from the scale. Measurements of workpieces are adjusted based on the calibration data and the distances of the carriage from the scale at the point of the measurements. The scale and the drive system may be positioned on opposite guideways.