Modular CNC Machine for Portable 3D Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current portable and dismountable CNC machines for three-dimensional digitization lack automation and motorization, making them neither precise nor efficient for high-definition scanning, and existing folding systems complicate assembly and transport.

Innovation Solution

A dismountable and motorized 3D scanning CNC machine with three Cartesian axes, featuring a longitudinal bedplate, base, column, crosspiece, and arm that fold onto a transport tool, along with a 3D scanning sensor and control equipment, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and precise scanning while enabling efficient movement and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the machine is made portable and dismountable, then ease of transport is improved, but automation and motorization are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of transportVSAvoidautomation and motorization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is divided into modular components (base, column, crosspiece, arm, scanning sensor) that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Each component maintains its motorized and automated functions while allowing portable transport when disconnected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The machine transitions between two states: a compact disassembled state for portable transport, and an assembled operational state with full automation and motorization. This dynamic reconfiguration allows both portability and automated functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If existing folding systems are used, then portability is improved, but assembly and dismantling become complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidassembly and dismantling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine uses clearly defined modular segments (base, column, crosspiece, arm) with standardized connection interfaces, simplifying assembly and dismantling compared to integrated folding systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of folding the entire machine as a single unit (which complicates assembly), the invention disassembles it into separate modular components that can be easily connected and disconnected at standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If the machine is disassembled for transport, then ease of movement is improved, but scanning precision may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of movementVSAvoidscanning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning sensor and its support structure are separated as distinct modular components with standardized connection interfaces, ensuring precise and repeatable reassembly that maintains scanning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The machine includes pre-positioned connection elements and alignment features that ensure accurate reassembly of components, guaranteeing that scanning precision is maintained after disassembly and reassembly for transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2891864B1Dismountable numerical control machine
Publication Date: 2018.06.20 UNIMETRIK
  • EP2891864B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2891864B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2891864B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Dismountable numerical control machine which comprises a first longitudinal bedplate (1), a base (2), a column (3) attached to the base (2), a secondary carriage or crosspiece (4) and an arm (5), in which the principal carriage or base (2) moves horizontally along the longitudinal bedplate (1), while the secondary carriage or crosspiece (4) can move vertically in relation to the column (3); and in which, also, the arm (5) can be moved horizontally in relation to the crosspiece (4), and which also comprises a transport tool (6) configured as an auxiliary longitudinal bedplate placed adjacent to the principal bedplate (1).