Interchangeable Optics for Chromatic Range Sensor Pen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chromatic range sensor probe systems are inflexible and costly due to limited compatibility with Renishaw-type probe head systems, lacking automatic interchangeability and requiring manual replacement of optical pens, which restricts their utility and cost-effectiveness in coordinate measuring machines.
Innovation Solution
An optical pen with a confocal optical path and interchangeable chromatically dispersive optics, supported by a repeatable fast exchange mount, allowing for automatic modification and integration with Renishaw-type systems, enabling rapid adjustment of measurement range and direction without the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If chromatic range sensor optical pens are manually replaced in Renishaw-type probe head systems, then measurement capabilities can be changed, but the system lacks flexibility and automatic interchangeability
Solution Approach 1:
The optical pen is divided into separate modular components: a base member and interchangeable optics elements. The repeatable fast exchange mount enables these segments to be quickly assembled and disassembled, allowing automatic interchangeability while maintaining measurement capabilities. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable through modular replacement without requiring complex manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeatable fast exchange mount is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple types of optics elements, enabling a single base member to support various measurement configurations. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve adaptability across different measurement scenarios while simplifying operation through a standardized interface that eliminates the need for specialized manual replacement procedures.
2Reliability
If existing chromatic range sensor systems are used with Renishaw-type probe heads, then they can perform measurements, but they require significant costs and inconvenience for upgrades
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable architecture where optics elements can be rapidly exchanged based on measurement requirements. The repeatable fast exchange mount provides the mechanical foundation for this dynamics, allowing the system to adapt to different measurement tasks without requiring expensive complete system replacements, thereby reducing upgrade costs while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing substitution of different optics elements with varying focal lengths, apertures, and chromatic dispersion characteristics. This approach maintains measurement reliability across different applications while avoiding the high costs of manufacturing upgrades, as individual optics elements can be selected or replaced based on specific measurement parameters rather than redesigning the entire probe head system.
3Extent of automation
If optical pens are designed for manual replacement, then they can be attached to probe heads, but they lack rapid modification capability without human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The repeatable fast exchange mount incorporates self-aligning features and self-latching mechanisms that enable automatic engagement and disengagement of optics elements without requiring precise manual positioning or complex fastening procedures. This self-service capability allows the system to achieve rapid modification automatically, eliminating the time loss associated with manual replacement while maintaining reliable attachment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed optics configuration is used in the optical pen, then the structure is simple, but the measurement range and direction are inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The optics system is segmented into interchangeable elements that can be replaced based on measurement requirements. Each optics element maintains a relatively simple internal structure, but the ability to exchange elements provides the system with adaptable measurement ranges and directions. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing complexity across multiple simple, standardized components rather than requiring a single complex fixed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different optics elements are designed with varying optical parameters such as focal length, aperture size, and chromatic dispersion properties to accommodate different measurement ranges and directions. By changing the optics element, the system achieves parameter changes without increasing the complexity of individual elements, maintaining simple manufacturing while providing measurement flexibility through the selection of appropriate pre-designed optics for each application.
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 optical pen system enhances the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of chromatic range sensor probe systems by enabling automatic interchangeability and rapid modification of measurement capabilities, improving the efficiency and accuracy of measurements in coordinate measuring machines.
Implementation Method 1
chromatically dispersive optics portion, the optical pen being configured to focus different wavelengths at different distances along a measurement axis
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical pen for use in a chromatic range sensor (CRS) may be used in a probe system for a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The optical pen includes a confocal optical path, an interchangeable optics element, an optical pen base member, and a repeatable fast exchange mount. The confocal optical path includes a confocal aperture and a chromatically dispersive optics portion. The interchangeable optics element includes the chromatically dispersive optics portion. The optical pen base member includes an external mounting surface for mounting to an external reference frame. The repeatable fast exchange mount includes a first mating half located on the base member and a second mating half located on the interchangeable optics element. The repeatable fast exchange mount is configured to allow the base member to receive and hold the interchangeable optics element in a fixed relationship relative to the base member and the external reference frame.