Measuring System Sensor Axis Alignment Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Measurement systems face challenges in maintaining accurate alignment of sensor axes due to temperature-related changes, leading to measurement errors during the detection of workpieces.

Innovation Solution

A measuring system comprising a machine bed, a sensor device with a touch sensor, and a reference module that allows for continuous checking and adjustment of sensor axis alignment by detecting reference points, enabling correction of angular deviations and compensation for measurement errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the sensor device operates continuously to measure workpieces, then productivity is improved, but temperature-induced changes in the angle of the sensor measuring axis cause measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous measurement capabilityVSAvoidalignment accuracy of sensor measuring axis
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calibration by storing reference positions of measuring points on the reference module. These reference positions are established beforehand to serve as a baseline for detecting subsequent angular deviations of the sensor measuring axis, enabling continuous operation without frequent manual realignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously detects current positions of measuring points on the reference module and compares them with the stored reference positions. This feedback mechanism identifies angular deviations of the sensor measuring axis and triggers automatic correction, maintaining measurement precision during continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If manual realignment of the sensor measuring axis is performed frequently, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracy of sensor measuring axisVSAvoidtime for realignment operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting angular deviations through position measurements on the reference module and correcting the sensor measuring axis orientation without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability eliminates time-consuming manual realignment operations while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical realignment operations with an automated detection and correction mechanism. The evaluation device calculates angular deviations and the system automatically adjusts the sensor measuring axis, substituting human-operated mechanical adjustment with an automated control system.

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

3Ease of operation

If the reference module is placed within the measuring area for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but temperature-induced deformation of the reference module increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of reference moduleVSAvoiddimensional stability of reference module
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The reference module is extracted from the immediate measuring area and positioned in a location less susceptible to temperature influences. This separation allows the reference module to maintain dimensional stability while remaining accessible for the sensor device to detect measuring points during calibration and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3974769B1Measuring system and method for operating same
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 JENOPTIK IND METROLOGY GERMANY
  • EP3974769B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3974769B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3974769B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The approach presented here relates to a measuring system (100). The measuring system (100) comprises a machine bed (105), a sensor device (110) with a touch sensor (115), and a reference module (120). A workpiece can be mounted in the machine bed (105) along a receiving axis (125). The sensor device (110) with the touch sensor (115) is movable in several directions relative to the machine bed (105) and is designed to detect points in a machine coordinate system of the measuring system (100). The reference module (120) is attached or attachable to a fixed point (127) of the measuring system (100) and has at least one first measuring point and one second measuring point. The touch sensor (115) is movable along at least one sensor measuring axis (130) and is designed to detect the first measuring point and the second measuring point in order to detect an orientation of the sensor measuring axis (130) relative to the machine coordinate system.