Optoelectronic Measuring Device Hollow Profile Bending Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optoelectronic measuring devices face issues with horizontal bending of the hollow profile when attached to an object, leading to erroneous measurements due to manufacturing tolerances and insufficient wall thickness, which existing solutions do not adequately address, especially for longer profiles.

Innovation Solution

A compensation device with a movable actuator and pushrod is integrated to exert a compensation force against the hollow profile, preventing horizontal bending by ensuring correct positioning and alignment, and this device can modify its force exertion to adjust for misalignment, thereby maintaining the profile's stability and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the hollow profile is attached to the object through the lids, then the attachment is established, but horizontal bending occurs due to manufacturing tolerances and insufficient wall thickness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment methodVSAvoidprofile stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation device applies a preliminary counteracting force to prevent horizontal bending before it occurs. The device exerts a compensation force on the hollow profile in the direction away from the first object, counteracting the bending tendency caused by manufacturing tolerances and insufficient wall thickness, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the wall thickness is increased to prevent bending, then structural stability improves, but the minimum size requirement of the hollow profile cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile stabilityVSAvoidhollow profile size
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation device acts as a counterbalancing mechanism that compensates for the insufficient structural stability of the thin-walled hollow profile. By applying a compensation force in the direction away from the first object, the device counteracts the bending effects, allowing the hollow profile to maintain its minimum size requirements while achieving the necessary stability for accurate measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Measurement precision

If a compensation device is added to prevent bending, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation device serves as an intermediary mechanism between the hollow profile and the external environment. It introduces a compensation force that acts on the hollow profile to counteract bending effects, thereby improving measurement accuracy. The device includes a movable actuator and a pushrod that transmits the compensation force, providing a relatively simple structural solution to the complex problem of profile stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3671133B1Optoelectronic measuring device
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 FAGOR AUTOMATION SCOOP
  • EP3671133B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3671133B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3671133B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to an optoelectronic measuring device configured for measuring longitudinal movements in a longitudinal measurement direction between a first object and a second object. The device comprises a longitudinal hollow profile (201), a respective lid attached to each longitudinal end of the hollow profile (201), and a fixing device associated with each lid for attaching the hollow profile (201) to the first object through the lids. The device further comprises a compensation device (300) configured for being attached to the hollow profile (201) or to the first object, and, with it attached in that manner, for exerting a compensation force against the hollow profile (201), moving away from the first object.