Linear Encoder Vibration Damper for Transverse Resonance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear encoders face measurement errors and potential damage due to mechanical vibrations, particularly from resonance effects, which can be exacerbated by compensating couplings that degrade accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic vibration damper comprising a damping mass and an elastic element is strategically placed on the scanning head or its mount to suppress transverse vibrations, preventing resonance and ensuring stable, precise measurements without the need for compensating couplings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compensating coupling is provided between the mount and driving component to allow flexible connection, then the scanning head can be connected rigidly in the measuring direction, but measurement errors occur due to play and reversal errors during direction changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the compensating coupling from the system entirely. The scanning head is connected directly to the driving component without any intermediate coupling mechanism, thereby eliminating the source of play and reversal errors that caused measurement inaccuracies.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a flexible coupling to accommodate misalignment, the patent inverts the approach by making the connection rigid and straight, eliminating the need for compensation mechanisms that introduced errors.
2Measurement precision
If the scanning head is not guided on the scale and no compensating coupling is provided, then reversal errors are eliminated, but mechanical vibrations and resonance effects can cause measurement errors and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful vibration and resonance effects into a beneficial damping action by strategically placing dampers at critical locations. The dampers transform the problematic vibrational energy into harmless heat through controlled dissipation, protecting the system while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dampers as intermediary elements between the scanning head and the mounting base. These dampers act as mediators that absorb and dissipate vibrational energy, preventing it from reaching sensitive components and causing measurement errors or damage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a vibration damper is mounted externally on the fixed housing, then vibrations can be suppressed, but the structure becomes more complex and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vibration damping function with existing structural components. Instead of mounting dampers externally on the housing, the dampers are integrated into the connection structure between the scanning head and mounting base, combining structural support and vibration suppression functions in a single element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the vibration dampers within the existing structural framework of the linear encoder. The dampers are positioned inside the housing structure and integrated with the mounting mechanism, eliminating the need for external mounting and reducing overall structural complexity.
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 solution effectively reduces measurement errors and prevents damage from excessive vibrations, enabling highly precise and stable position measurements by attenuating transverse vibrations and maintaining measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The vibration damper is composed of a damping mass 21 and an elastic element 22. The damping mass 21 is fastened by the elastic element 22 to an attachment surface 4a of the mount 4 or of the scanning head 5.
Implementation Method 2
A vibration damper 2 suppresses vibrations transversely to the measuring direction. The vibration damper 2 is disposed on the mount 4 or on the scanning head 5.
Implementation Method 3
mechanical vibrations emanating from the object to be measured are transmitted to the scanning head. The driving component amplifies the vibrations of the scanning head, and measuring errors occur as a result. Moreover, it was found that the driving component and the scanning head may even become damaged when resonance effects occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A linear encoder includes a scale disposed within a housing and a scanning unit that is displaceable in a measuring direction relative to the scale. The scanning unit includes a scanning head disposed inside of the housing opposite to the scale such that the scale is scannable by the scanning head, as well as a mount to which the scanning head is fastened, and a driving component, via which the mount is coupled to a mounting base disposed outside of the housing. A vibration damper suppresses vibrations transversely to the measuring direction. The vibration damper is disposed on the mount or on the scanning head, and includes a damping mass and an elastic element. The damping mass is fastened by the elastic element to an attachment surface of the mount or of the scanning head.