Modular Articulated Arm CMM with Integrated PCB Encoders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulated arm coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) are cumbersome to adapt to user requirements, heavy, and costly due to their complex assembly and high number of components, limiting their flexibility and precision in measurement applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular articulated arm CMM design featuring PCB units with integrated angle encoders and electronic transmission means, allowing for adaptable configurations and reduced assembly complexity, weight, and cost, with signal transmission via wires, radio, or capacitive coupling, and reinforcement structures for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an articulated arm CMM is built with a heavy base and external frame encapsulating components, then measurement precision and stability are improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (arm section, angle encoder, electronic transmission means, PCB unit) into integrated modular units. The angle encoder is integrated directly into the pivot joint of each arm section, and electronic transmission means are built into the arm sections themselves, eliminating the need for a separate external frame encapsulating all components. This merging reduces overall weight while maintaining measurement precision through the integrated design.
2Measurement precision
If an articulated arm CMM is built with numerous single elements and external frame, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arm is divided into multiple independent arm section modules, each containing its own angle encoder and electronic transmission means. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured and tested separately, then assembled into the complete system. The modular design reduces overall device complexity by standardizing components while maintaining the precision required for measurement applications.
Solution Approach 2:
Each arm section module is designed as a universal unit that can be used in various positions and configurations within the articulated arm system. The standardized interface and integrated components allow the same module design to serve multiple functions across different parts of the system, reducing the variety of unique components needed and simplifying the overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If an articulated arm CMM is built with numerous single elements, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the articulated arm into standardized arm section modules, each module can be manufactured using the same processes and materials. This segmentation enables economies of scale in manufacturing, as the same PCB units, angle encoders, and electronic transmission means can be produced in batches and then assembled into different arm configurations, reducing per-unit manufacturing costs while maintaining precision.
4Device complexity
If an articulated arm CMM is built with integrated angle encoders in pivot joints, then device complexity is reduced, but weight remains high due to considerable single elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the angle encoder, electronic transmission means, and arm section into a single integrated modular unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate mounting structures, additional fasteners, and interconnecting components that would add weight. The integrated design maintains low weight while reducing device complexity through component consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an articulated arm CMM, which is constructed in a modular way, and a modular assembling kit for constructing such an articulated arm CMM, comprising an articulated arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is configured to support a tool. The articulated arm comprises at least two arm sections, connected to one another by pivot joints with integrated angle encoders. The arm sections are configured as modules having a PCB unit, said PCB unit comprises an elongated PCB section element and at least one PCB encoder element. The PCB encoder elements are configured to build an angle encoder and the PCB section elements comprise electronic transmission means for transmitting the encoder signals from the PCB encoder elements toward a circuit deriving the relative position between the arm sections.