One-Dimensional Measuring Machine Scale Contamination Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
One-dimensional measuring machines with built-in photoelectric encoders face issues due to contamination of the scale, which can render the measurement of object dimensions impossible, disrupting production activities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light source, a light receiving element, a light amount information detector, and a contamination detector within the measuring machine to detect the degree of contamination by monitoring light amount changes along the scale, allowing for real-time monitoring and prevention of scale unreadability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a photoelectric encoder is used to measure object dimensions, then measurement capability is provided, but the scale becomes susceptible to contamination which can render measurements impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary contamination detection by monitoring light amounts during the mover's movement along the scale. By detecting contamination levels before they reach critical thresholds, the system can alert operators to clean the scale proactively, preventing complete measurement failure and ensuring continuous operational reliability.
2Productivity
If the mover continuously moves along the scale for measurement, then measurement operations can be performed, but contamination accumulates on the scale over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the light amount information detector continuously monitors light transmission through the scale during mover movement. This real-time feedback on contamination levels allows the system to track scale condition throughout operation, enabling timely intervention before contamination prevents measurement operations.
3Device complexity
If no contamination detection system is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but sudden measurement failures occur due to undetected contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The light amount information detector serves multiple functions: it monitors contamination levels, provides feedback on scale condition, and enables predictive maintenance alerts. By making this detection component multi-functional, the system achieves comprehensive contamination monitoring without adding separate dedicated devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system 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
Enables continuous measurement operations by detecting contamination levels, preventing sudden failures and allowing for timely cleaning, thus maintaining production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to emit light to the graduations of the scale
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving element configured to receive the light having passed through the scale from the light source
Implementation Method 3
a light amount information detector that detects information regarding a light amount of the light emitted to the scale from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A one dimensional measuring machine includes a scale having graduations, a mover that has a light source configured to emit light to the graduations of the scale and a light receiving element configured to receive the light having passed through the scale from the light source, and can move along the scale, a light amount information detector that detects information regarding a light amount of the light emitted to the scale from the light source while the mover moves along the scale, and a contamination detector that detects a degree of contamination of the scale, based the information regarding the light amount of the light detected by the light amount information detector.