Modular Support Assembly for Position Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing position measurement assemblies with single-piece support bodies are costly to manufacture and complicate thermal isolation, which is essential for high accuracy, due to the need for additional design measures like flexure bearings.

Innovation Solution

A modular support assembly with individual sections and flexure bearings for thermal isolation, allowing for cost-effective manufacturing and improved thermal isolation without additional design measures, enabling accurate position measurement in multiple degrees of freedom.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a single-piece support body is used, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and thermal isolation becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support body is divided into multiple individual sections (first support section, second support section, etc.) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the overall structural stability through precise joining of the sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If a single-piece support body is used, then structural stability is improved, but thermal isolation requires additional design measures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidthermal isolation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support body is segmented into multiple sections with thermal isolation elements (such as flexure bearings or thermal barriers) positioned between them. This allows thermal isolation to be implemented at specific locations without requiring complex design across the entire structure, simplifying the overall thermal management while preserving structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The modular design reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies thermal isolation, achieving high reproducibility and accuracy in position measurement across multiple degrees of freedom while maintaining stability and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a flexure bearing which couples the fastening device, and thus the scale, to the support body in a manner allowing the fastening device and the scale to be displaced in measuring direction X

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

thermal isolation between the support body (or the measurement assembly) and a base (e.g., machine bed) is relatively complicated to implement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal isolation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS11733019B2Assembly for position measurement

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 DR JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH

AI summary

An assembly comprises a support including a plurality of individual sections. A scale is disposed on the support. The scale extends in a longitudinal direction and has a measuring graduation for position measurement at least in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of fastening devices are configured to fasten the scale to the support. The fastening devices are disposed on the individual sections of the support.