Industrial Measurement Probe Position Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing industrial measurement devices face inaccuracies due to changes in the relative position between the holder and the measurement object during measurement, leading to falsified results.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using acceleration sensors to determine and compensate for changes in the relative position between the holder and the measurement object, allowing for precise correction of measurements without the need for continuous absolute position determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the holder is fixed relative to the measurement object, then measurement stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to grounding requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement stabilityVSAvoidgrounding requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical grounding system with an optical reference system. Instead of physically grounding the holder to ensure stability, the invention uses a reference beam that is reflected from the measurement object back to the interferometer. This optical reference replaces the need for mechanical fixation, allowing the holder to remain mobile while maintaining measurement stability through optical referencing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If acceleration sensors are added to determine position changes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition correction accuracyVSAvoidsensor quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the interferometer serve multiple functions: it not only measures the primary measurement quantity but also simultaneously detects position changes of the holder through the reference beam. By configuring the reference beam to reflect from the measurement object and return to the interferometer, the same device measures both the object's features and the holder's position, eliminating the need for separate acceleration sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The reference beam acts as an intermediary that carries information about holder position changes. Instead of directly measuring holder movement with sensors, the patent uses the reference beam as a mediator that encodes position information through its optical path length changes, which are then decoded by the interferometer to correct measurement data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If continuous absolute position determination is implemented, then measurement accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases due to frequent measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous monitoring of holder position through the reference beam that continuously reflects from the measurement object back to the interferometer throughout the measurement process. This continuous optical measurement eliminates the need for discrete, time-consuming position checks, allowing real-time position tracking and correction without interrupting the primary measurement workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 quick, exact, and reliable determination of the shape of measurement objects, particularly in cases of non-cylindrical distortion geometry, by effectively compensating for movements and positional changes, thus enhancing measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a reference beam (15) is reflected from the measurement object (11) into the interferometer (18)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

at least one distance sensor is provided, with which the instantaneous distance of a reference point of the measurement probe from a wall of the measurement object can be determined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP3069101B1Method for measuring measurement objects
Publication Date: 2018.11.21 STOTZ FEINMESSTECHN
  • EP3069101B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3069101B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3069101B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for industrially measuring measurement objects comprising a measuring probe that can be led up to the measurement object, on which measuring probe at least one distance sensor is provided, by means of which the instantaneous distance of a reference point of the measuring probe from a wall of the measurement object can be determined. The measuring probe is rotatably supported on a retainer, which is fixed in relation to the measurement object and/or the position of which in relation to the measurement object is known. The device also comprises an evaluating apparatus, which is designed to receive at least one distance value determined by the distance sensor and to associate said at least one distance value with a rotational position of the measuring probe in the context of a measurement. Means are provided for determining a change in the relative position between the retainer and the measurement object occurring during the measurement.