Coordinate Measuring Device Interface Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current interface arrangements in coordinate measuring machines lack flexibility for effective energy transmission and high data transmission rates, especially when combining tactile and optical measuring sensor heads.

Innovation Solution

The interface arrangement includes a central optical interface and an outer area with a three-point bearing for precise positioning, along with electrical or electromagnetic interfaces for energy and signal transmission, allowing for both optical and electrical data transfer without mechanical contact, utilizing free-beam optics or optical waveguides for data transmission and contactless electrical interfaces for energy transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a classical interface arrangement with central holding device and outer bearing elements is used, then mechanical coupling is achieved, but flexibility for energy transmission and data transmission is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility for energy transmissionVSAvoidinterface arrangement structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface arrangement is divided into functionally distinct zones: a central area for optical interfaces and an outer area for mechanical bearing and electrical interfaces. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function, enabling flexible energy and data transmission while maintaining mechanical coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface arrangement integrates multiple transmission methods (optical, electrical, mechanical) within a single structure. The central area handles optical data transmission, the outer area provides mechanical positioning and electrical connections, creating a multi-functional interface that can accommodate various sensor types and transmission requirements.

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

2Reliability

If mechanical contact interfaces are used for data transfer, then connection stability is achieved, but susceptibility to electrical interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidelectrical interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based data transmission with optical transmission in the central area. Optical interfaces transmit data without electrical contact, eliminating electrical interference while maintaining connection stability through the mechanical bearing structure in the outer area.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Optical interfaces act as an intermediary between system components, enabling data transmission without direct electrical contact. This intermediary approach allows stable communication while blocking electrical interference from affecting the data transmission path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If high data transmission rates are required, then optical interfaces are needed, but mechanical positioning precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The interface is segmented into a central optical area and an outer mechanical bearing area. This separation allows the optical interfaces to achieve high data transmission rates without compromising mechanical positioning precision, as the bearing elements in the outer area maintain accurate alignment while the central area handles high-speed optical communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration enables flexible and efficient communication across the interface, reducing susceptibility to electrical interference and allowing for high-bandwidth data transfer, while maintaining precise positioning of system components, thus enhancing the performance of coordinate measuring machines.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing free-beam optics or optical waveguides for data transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFree-beam optics: Light

Implementation Method 2

utilizing free-beam optics or optical waveguides for data transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical waveguide: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 3

contactless electrical interfaces for energy transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2795243B1Co-ordinate measuring device having an improved interface arrangement
Publication Date: 2016.04.20 CARL ZEISS INDUSTRIELLE MESSTECHNIKE GMBH
  • EP2795243B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2795243B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2795243B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a system component (58; 28, 42, 44, 46, 48) for a co-ordinate measuring device (10) for determining three-dimensional co-ordinates of an object (40) to be measured, wherein the system component (58; 28, 42, 44, 46, 48) comprises a first change interface (62) which is designed to form an interface arrangement (56) together with a second change interface (64) of a second system component (60; 28, 42, 44, 46, 48), via which interface arrangement the system component (58; 28, 42, 44, 46, 48) and the second system component (60; 28, 42, 44, 46, 48) are linked with one another, wherein the first change interface (62) comprises a central region (66) and an outer region (68) surrounding the central region (66). The central region (66) further comprises an optical interface device (76), wherein the outer region (68) has bearing elements (106, 108) of a three-point bearing (70) for clear positioning of the first system component (58; 28, 42, 44, 46, 48) and the second system component (60; 28, 42, 44, 46, 48) relative to one another, and wherein the outer region (68) has at least one holding element (71) of a holding apparatus (72) for holding the first system component (58; 28, 42, 44, 46, 48) and the second system component (60; 28, 42, 44, 46, 48) against each other, and wherein the outer region (68) has at least one electrical interface apparatus (74). The invention further relates to a co-ordinate measuring device (10) having such a system component (58; 28, 42, 44, 46, 48).