Laser Intersection Point Sensor Positioning for Shape Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shape measuring apparatuses without image sensors rely on manual positioning of point sensors, which is difficult and time-consuming due to the small size of detection points and limited visibility, especially for contact sensors with short working distances.
Innovation Solution
A shape measuring apparatus equipped with a point sensor and a moving mechanism, utilizing two or more laser light sources to intersect at an adjustment point separated from the detection point, allowing for precise positioning of the detection point on a desired measurement start point without an image sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a point sensor with short working distance is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in visually positioning the detection point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a laser light source as an intermediary visual aid that projects a light spot onto the workpiece surface at the detection point position. This light spot serves as a mediator between the invisible detection point and the user's visual system, enabling accurate visual positioning without requiring the detection point itself to be visible. The laser light source is positioned separately from the point sensor, allowing the user to see the light spot while the point sensor maintains its short working distance for high precision measurement.
2Ease of operation
If an image sensor is added to enable visual positioning, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visual indication function from the complex image sensor system and implements it using a simple laser light source. Instead of using an image sensor to capture and display the detection point position, the invention directly projects a visible light spot at the detection point location. This extraction simplifies the system by removing the image sensor, image processing unit, and display components, while maintaining the visual positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive image sensor system with a simple, inexpensive laser light source. The laser light source is a basic optical component that is much cheaper than an image sensor system, and it provides the necessary visual indication function without requiring complex electronics or processing. This substitution significantly reduces device complexity and cost while achieving the same ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If manual positioning is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming positioning process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to self-indicate its own detection point position through the laser light source. The laser light automatically projects the light spot at the correct detection point location on the workpiece, providing self-service visual guidance without requiring external imaging equipment or complex positioning systems. This self-indication mechanism maintains system simplicity while dramatically improving measurement efficiency by enabling quick and accurate positioning.
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 quick and accurate positioning of the detection point, improving measurement efficiency by allowing visual observation of the adjustment point and automatic movement of the point sensor to the measurement start point, reducing reliance on manual intuition.
Implementation Method 1
the positioning unit includes two or more laser light sources, and laser light beams from the two or more laser light sources intersect at an adjustment point separated from the detection point
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning unit includes two or more the laser light sources disposed around a point sensor. Laser light beams from the two or more the laser light sources intersect at an adjustment point separated from a detection point, which is away from the point sensor, by a predetermined distance. The adjustment point is positioned on a desired measurement start point on a work, the point sensor is moved close to the work by the predetermined distance, and a measurement scan of the work is started.