Interchangeable Counterweight for Articulated Head Torque Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Coordinate positioning machines face challenges in achieving accuracy and versatility due to the need for sufficient torque to counterbalance the weight of inspection devices, which can lead to increased power requirements and heat generation, affecting precision and accuracy during measurements.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an interchangeable task module and changeable counterweight system that automatically adjusts to reduce the imbalance of the articulated head, allowing for the use of smaller motors and minimizing heat generation by providing a suitable counterbalance to the task module's weight, thereby reducing torque requirements and improving precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If motors are used to counterbalance the weight of inspection devices on the articulated head, then the inspection device can be moved to desired positions, but the power requirements and heat generation increase, affecting measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to move inspection deviceVSAvoidpower requirement and heat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies counterweights to the articulated head to balance the gravitational force acting on the inspection device. The counterweights are positioned to create an opposing moment that compensates for the weight of the inspection device, thereby reducing the torque requirement of the motors and minimizing heat generation while maintaining the ability to move the inspection device to desired positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves equipotentiality by balancing the articulated head such that the center of gravity of the inspection device and counterweights align with the rotation axis. This creates a balanced state where no continuous motor power is needed to maintain position, reducing energy consumption and heat generation while preserving operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

2Adaptability or versatility

If larger motors are used to handle heavy task modules, then heavier and larger inspection devices can be accommodated, but the heat generation and power requirements increase, compromising measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate different task modulesVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses counterweights to balance the articulated head when accommodating heavy task modules. The counterweights compensate for the increased weight, allowing the system to handle diverse and heavy inspection devices without requiring proportionally larger motors, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy by minimizing heat generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal counterbalancing system that can accommodate various task modules of different weights and sizes. The counterweights are designed to work with multiple types of inspection devices, providing adaptability and versatility while maintaining measurement precision across different operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If the articulated head is left unbalanced, then smaller motors can be used, but the inspection device cannot be held in position during measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor sizeVSAvoidability to hold position

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies counterweights to create a balanced articulated head system. The counterweights are positioned and sized to offset the weight of the inspection device, allowing smaller motors to be used while still maintaining the ability to hold the inspection device steadily in the desired position during measurement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 solution enhances the accuracy and precision of measurements by reducing the power requirements and heat generation, enabling the use of smaller motors and improving the stability of the articulated head, allowing for a range of task modules including large and heavy ones, while maintaining precision across different operations.

Implementation Method 1

at least one changeable task module counterweight which can be changed automatically... so as to reduce the extent by which the articulated head is out-of-balance about its at least one rotational axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCounterbalance: Balance

Data Source

PatentEP2564151B1Coordinate positioning apparatus with interchangeable task module counterweight and method of operating it

Publication Date: 2020.10.21 RENISHAW PLC

Figure 1~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~4(c)
Figure 5(a)~6(b)

AI summary

A method of operating a coordinate positioning apparatus comprising an articulated head having at least one rotational axis. The method comprises, in any suitable order, loading at least one interchangeable task module onto the articulated head; and loading at least one interchangeable task module counterweight on the articulated head. The at least one interchangeable task module counterweight at least partially counterbalances the weight of the at least one task module on the articulated head about the at least one axis.