Interchangeable Reflective Assembly for Chromatic Confocal Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chromatic confocal point sensors have limited range and cannot measure workpiece features located off the unaltered measurement axis, making it difficult to measure features such as those at the bottom of a hole or in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of interchangeable reflective assemblies that can be attached to the chromatic confocal point sensor pen, allowing the measurement beam to be oriented at angles relative to the central Z-axis, enabling measurement of features beyond the end or side of the optical assembly, such as screw threads or undercut features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a chromatic confocal point sensor uses a standard unaltered measurement axis configuration, then the optical system maintains simple alignment and direct measurement capability, but it cannot measure workpiece features located off the measurement axis such as features at the bottom of holes or in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reflective assemblies as intermediary optical elements that redirect the measurement beam to access previously unreachable surface points. These assemblies act as mediators between the optical pen and workpiece features located in confined spaces, holes, or at angular orientations that cannot be directly accessed by the standard measurement axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends measurement capability from a single linear dimension (the central Z-axis) to multiple spatial dimensions by introducing reflective assemblies that redirect the beam at various angles. This allows the optical system to access surface points in three-dimensional space that were previously inaccessible along the single measurement axis.
2Ease of operation
If the measurement beam is directed along the central Z-axis only, then the optical system maintains a compact form factor and simple operation, but it cannot measure features beyond the end or side of the optical assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into modular components: the base optical pen and interchangeable reflective assemblies. Each reflective assembly is a self-contained unit with specific angular characteristics, allowing the user to select and attach the appropriate assembly for different measurement scenarios without complicating the overall system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement platform where a single optical pen can perform multiple measurement functions by attaching different reflective assemblies. The base optical pen serves as a universal base that can be configured for various measurement positions and angles through interchangeable assemblies, maintaining ease of operation while expanding versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reflective assemblies are added to enable angular measurement capabilities, then the system can measure previously unmeasurable surface points, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability to the optical system through interchangeable reflective assemblies. Rather than a fixed complex optical train, the system allows dynamic reconfiguration by attaching different assemblies depending on the measurement task, enabling the system to adapt its complexity to match the requirements of each specific measurement scenario.
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
Enables the measurement of previously unmeasurable surface points by extending the measuring range beyond the standard axis, allowing for precise coordinate measurements of workpiece features in complex geometries like holes and cavities.
Implementation Method 1
the first reflective element is positioned in the source beam and reflects at least a portion of the source beam as a first measurement beam along a first measurement axis
Implementation Method 2
an optical element having axial chromatic aberration may be used to focus a broadband light source such that the axial distance or height of a surface determines which wavelength is best focused at that surface
Data Source
AI summary
Reflective assemblies are provided that may be attached to the end of a chromatic confocal point sensor optical pen. Each reflective assembly includes a reflective surface (e.g., a turning mirror) oriented for directing a measurement beam along a measurement axis at a selected angle relative to the central Z-axis of the optical pen. Reflective assemblies with different orientations for the measurement beams (e.g., 60 degrees, 120 degrees, etc.) allow for measurements of workpiece features that cannot be achieved with a measurement beam directed in a normal incident manner or at a standard 90 degree orientation. In one implementation, the reflective assemblies may be kinematically located and retained using magnetic coupling, and may be rotated and reseated in different rotational orientations about the central Z-axis of the optical pen. A set of such reflective assemblies greatly increases the measurement capability of a single optical pen, in an economical manner.