Laser Tracker Contour Measurement for Rotating Bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the contour of bodies and checking their positioning about an axis of rotation are labor-intensive and lack precision, particularly when dealing with rotationally symmetrical or out-of-round objects like rollers, and conventional mechanical measuring devices are cumbersome and prone to wear.
Innovation Solution
A method using a laser tracker system with a measuring ball and cantilever arm that follows the peripheral surface of the body as it rotates, ensuring precise contact and eliminating the need for manual handling, combined with automatic adjustment and measurement protocols for efficient data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser tracker system with manual measuring sphere repositioning is used, then measurement capability is achieved, but measurement time and operator effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring sphere is equipped with a drive mechanism that enables it to move autonomously along the body's surface without manual intervention. The sphere self-adjusts its position by rotating on its own axis and translating along the surface, eliminating the need for operators to manually reposition it between measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring sphere transitions from a static object requiring manual repositioning to a dynamic system with independent motion capabilities. The sphere can rotate and translate automatically, adapting its position in real-time to follow the body's contour during rotation, thereby reducing measurement time while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical measuring instruments like templates and rulers are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but device weight and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical measuring instruments (templates, rulers) with a laser-based optical measurement system. The laser tracker emits light beams that are reflected by the measuring sphere back to the detector, eliminating the need for physical contact with heavy mechanical tools while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement approach changes from direct physical contact with heavy mechanical instruments to non-contact optical parameter measurement. The system measures positional parameters using laser light reflection and triangulation, fundamentally changing the measurement paradigm from mechanical to optical.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical measuring instruments are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but device durability decreases due to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical contact between measuring instruments and the workpiece by using a laser-based optical system. The laser tracker measures positions non-contactfully through light reflection, removing wear and tear issues associated with mechanical templates, rulers, and other contact-based measuring tools.
4Extent of automation
If automated laser crawler is used for fuselage measurement, then measurement automation is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex automated carriage mechanism from the measurement system. Instead of using a motorized carriage with wheels and rollers that travels along the fuselage, the invention uses a simple rotating body with a lightweight measuring sphere that follows the surface, eliminating the need for complex support structures and drive mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the measuring device along a stationary body (as in the fuselage measurement system), the patent inverts the approach by rotating the body itself and using a lightweight measuring sphere that passively follows the rotating surface. This simplifies the measurement system while achieving full automation.
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 approach enables high-precision measurement of contours and positioning accuracy with reduced operator effort, improved precision, and automated data generation, suitable for both rotationally symmetrical and out-of-round bodies, including rollers in continuous casting plants.
Implementation Method 1
A laser beam emitted by the measuring head is reflected back from the measuring sphere to the measuring head
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device (10) for measuring the contour of a body (K), using a laser tracker system (1) having a measurement sphere (2), a measurement head (3), and having an evaluation unit (6). In order to measure the size thereof and/or the contour thereof, the body (K) is caused to rotate about at least one axis of rotation, wherein the measurement sphere (2) follows a peripheral surface (12) of the body (K) and a laser beam (L) is reflected from the measurement sphere (2) back to the measurement head (3). On the basis thereof, the contour of the body (K) is then determined by means of the evaluation unit (6).