Interferometer Collision Prevention for Industrial Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement systems for industrial machines using tracking-type laser interferometers face risks of collision between the machine and the interferometer due to improper movement programs or operator errors, which can lead to measurement abnormalities and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A measurement system incorporating a tracking-type laser interferometer with a judging section and a stop command outputting section that calculates distances and received-light signals to detect abnormalities, issuing a stop command to prevent collisions by stopping the machine's movement when the interferometer and the machine are too close or lose sight of the reflector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tracking-type laser interferometer is installed inside the measurement space to measure three-dimensional coordinate values, then measurement capability is improved, but the risk of collision between the movable body and the interferometer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a judgment unit as an intermediary component that monitors the distance between the movable body and interferometer, and a stopping unit that acts as a mediator to halt movement when collision risk is detected. This intermediary monitoring system enables the interferometer to remain in the measurement space while preventing collisions through active surveillance and automatic stopping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the judgment unit continuously receives distance information from the interferometer, compares it against safe thresholds, and provides feedback to the stopping unit. This closed-loop feedback system allows the interferometer to maintain its measurement function while the feedback-driven stopping mechanism prevents collision by automatically halting movement when the movable body approaches unsafe distances.
2Measurement precision
If the interferometer is positioned closer to the movable body to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the risk of collision and measurement abnormality increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the judgment unit continuously monitor distance before collision can occur. The system proactively identifies when the movable body is approaching unsafe distances and triggers the stopping unit to halt movement in advance, preventing both collision and measurement abnormality before they can affect the interferometer's positioning or accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by establishing a safety buffer zone through the judgment unit's distance monitoring. Before the movable body can reach a dangerous proximity to the interferometer, the system detects the approaching threshold and activates the stopping mechanism, creating a protective buffer that prevents both physical collision and measurement abnormality while allowing the interferometer to maintain optimal measurement positioning.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation or simple movement control is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of improper operation leading to collision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the measurement system to automatically monitor its own safety conditions through the judgment unit and automatically take protective action through the stopping unit. This self-monitoring and self-protecting capability allows operators to manually control the movable body with simplicity while the system independently watches for collision risks and stops movement when necessary, compensating for potential operator errors without complicating the operation interface.
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
Effectively prevents collisions between the industrial machine and the interferometer by stopping the movement when abnormalities are detected, ensuring safe operation and accurate measurement of three-dimensional coordinates without the need for frequent interferometer reinstallation.
Implementation Method 1
The light source of the measurement unit emits light toward the reflector that is attached to the relative movement member. The light reception unit of the measurement unit receives light reflected by the reflector.
Implementation Method 2
The tracking-type laser interferometer utilizes laser interference to measure a distance therefrom to the retro reflector.
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement system that includes an industrial machine and an interferometer can detect when abnormality has occurred in measurement targeted at a reflector attached to a movable body, for example, in a case where the movable body has moved too close to the interferometer. A judging section of the interferometer judges that there is abnormality in measurement targeted at the reflector on the basis of a received-light signal. Upon such an abnormality judgment, a stop command outputting section of the interferometer outputs a stop command to the industrial machine. A stopping section of the industrial machine stops the driving operation of a moving mechanism upon receiving an input of the stop command, thereby stopping the movement of the movable body. The measurement system makes it possible to prevent the industrial machine, which includes the movable body and the moving mechanism, from colliding with the interferometer.