Modular Measuring Head System with Interchangeable Optical Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measuring head systems are limited in their ability to perform multiple measurement types efficiently, often requiring retrofitting for different measurement methods, such as interferometric and imaging modes, which complicates the process and reduces flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A modular measuring head system with a central module and interchangeable modules such as illumination, lens, mirror, and camera modules, allowing for various configurations to achieve specific measurement tasks without structural changes, including the use of fiber optics for low heat input and optional sensors like laser-based distance sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If retrofitting is performed to change measurement methods (e.g., from imaging to interferometric), then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring head is divided into a central module and interchangeable measurement modules. Each measurement module (e.g., imaging module, interferometric module, laser module) is a separate, self-contained unit that can be independently attached or detached from the central module, eliminating the need for complex retrofitting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The central module is designed with universal attachment interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of measurement modules. This allows a single central module to support various measurement methods (imaging, interferometric, laser) by simply changing the attached module, providing multi-functionality without increasing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If retrofitting is performed to adapt to different measurement methods, then measurement versatility is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring head system transitions from a static, fixed-configuration design to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Measurement modules can be quickly swapped between different measurement methods, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to different measurement tasks without time-consuming retrofitting operations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and optical components are integrated, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors and optical components are segmented into separate, modular units (e.g., imaging sensor in imaging module, interferometric sensor in interferometric module). Each module maintains its own optimized sensor configuration for high precision while the modular architecture prevents overall system complexity from increasing uncontrollably.
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 rapid and efficient performance of diverse measurements by allowing modular assembly and adaptation, enhancing flexibility and measurement accuracy without altering the central module, thus supporting various measurement modes like imaging, laser, and interferometric measurements.
Implementation Method 1
This is preferably a module into which the required light is coupled by means of fiber optics. Thus, the heat input is kept low.
Implementation Method 2
Other illumination modules such as, for example, an annular light module enclosing the lens may be installed or uninstalled. Additional sensors or sensor elements such as, for example, a laser-based distance sensor or other optical dot sensors for the detection of the height level of a lens point may be provided.
Data Source
AI summary
In a modular measuring head system comprising a central module having the shape of a parallelepiped block with six sides, the central module encloses an interior space and is provided on at least five sides with attachment sites, each having at least one opening leading to the interior space. Together with additional modules, the central module forms a modular building structure based on a highly diverse optical measuring head including at least several of an illumination module, a lens module, a mirror module and a camera module. Each of these optional modules can be at least indirectly attached to at least one of the attachment sites.