Modular Calibration Arrangement for Coordinate Measuring Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration arrangements for coordinate measuring machines using invasive radiation, such as X-ray computed tomography scanners, face challenges in efficiently filling the measurement volume and ensuring accurate positioning of calibration objects, leading to high outlay and potential damage or displacement of objects.
Innovation Solution
A calibration arrangement comprising multiple modules with at least three calibration objects each, arranged along a longitudinal axis and oriented in various spatial directions, allowing for simultaneous measurement and reduced temperature drift, with carriers made from materials with low thermal expansion to ensure accurate and reproducible positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If calibration objects are arranged freely accessible for measurement, then measurement access is improved, but objects are vulnerable to damage or displacement
Solution Approach 1:
A protective enclosure (thin shell structure) is introduced to contain the calibration objects. This enclosure allows the objects to remain accessible for measurement while preventing direct contact that could cause damage or displacement, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
2Device complexity
If a single calibration arrangement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement volume coverage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration arrangement is segmented into multiple modular units, each containing calibration objects arranged along a longitudinal axis. These modules can be independently manufactured and then combined to fill the entire measurement volume, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving complete volume coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple calibration modules are nested or stacked together to form a complete calibration arrangement that fills the measurement volume. This allows the system to maintain simple individual components while achieving comprehensive volume coverage when assembled.
3Measurement precision
If calibration objects are positioned to fill measurement volume, then measurement accuracy is improved, but temperature drift affects positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameter of the carriers is changed to have low thermal expansion characteristics. This parameter change ensures that the carriers maintain dimensional stability across temperature variations, thus preserving measurement precision while operating in environments where temperature drift occurs.
4Volume of moving object
If multiple calibration modules are used to fill measurement volume, then calibration coverage is improved, but manufacturing outlay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system is divided into standardized modular units that can be manufactured independently using the same processes. This segmentation allows for economies of scale in manufacturing while achieving complete volume coverage through assembly of multiple identical or similar modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration modules are designed with universal characteristics, allowing the same basic design to be used throughout the measurement volume. This universality reduces manufacturing outlay by standardizing production processes and materials across all modules.
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 solution enables efficient calibration of the entire measurement volume or a defined proportion thereof with reduced outlay, ensuring accurate and reproducible measurements by minimizing temperature-related errors and protecting the calibration objects from damage.
Implementation Method 1
carriers made from materials with low thermal expansion to ensure accurate and reproducible positioning
Implementation Method 2
X-rays penetrate the measurement object from different directions. The X-rays passing through the measurement object are attenuated and the resulting irradiance distribution is detected by a detector
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration configuration calibrates a coordinate measuring machine that is suitable to irradiate measurement objects with invasive radiation and to process corresponding radiographs of the measurement objects. The calibration configuration includes a plurality of calibration modules. Each calibration module includes a carrier and in each case a plurality of at least three calibration objects that are assigned to the carrier. The plurality of calibration objects are arranged along a longitudinal direction of the calibration module and attached to the carrier.