Multiple Beam Scanning System for Optical Measuring Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical measuring systems with movable measuring beams face inefficiencies due to stepwise scanning motions, which cause destabilization and extended measurement times, as they require stabilization at each position before data collection can occur, leading to increased measurement cycles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple scanning devices with an optical switch allows for simultaneous data collection while one device is stationary and another is moving, enabling continuous data acquisition by directing the measuring beam to the stationary device, thereby reducing the overall measurement time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stepwise scanning motion is used to move the measuring beam to different positions, then measurement data can be collected at discrete positions, but the measurement time is significantly extended due to stabilization requirements at each position
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the scanning function into multiple independent scanning devices (first scanning device, second scanning device, etc.), each capable of independently positioning and stabilizing the measuring beam. This segmentation allows parallel operation where one device stabilizes for measurement while another moves to the next position, eliminating the sequential stabilization wait time that extends measurement cycles in single-device systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning and stabilization actions in advance by having multiple scanning devices prepared at different positions. While one device is stabilizing for measurement, another device is already positioned and stabilizing at the next measurement point, ensuring that no time is lost waiting for stabilization at subsequent positions.
2Speed
If the measuring beam is moved to new positions with accelerations and decelerations, then scanning coverage is achieved, but the relative position becomes destabilized requiring additional stabilization time
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the scanning function across multiple devices, each device can execute motion profiles independently. This allows one device to accelerate and decelerate for scanning while another maintains stable positioning, eliminating the trade-off between scanning speed and position stability that plagues single-device systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that while one scanning device is in motion (performing scanning coverage), another device is simultaneously stabilizing and ready for measurement. This continuity eliminates idle stabilization time and maintains both scanning speed and position stability throughout the measurement cycle.
3Measurement precision
If discrete measurements are taken at stopped positions, then sufficient light can be collected during exposure periods, but the start-stop motion profile significantly extends measurement time
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement and motion functions across multiple scanning devices. One device performs the stop-and-collect function for precise light collection during exposure, while another device simultaneously moves to the next position. This segmentation maintains measurement precision through proper light collection while eliminating the productivity loss from sequential start-stop operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning and exposure setup in advance using multiple devices. While one device is collecting light during exposure at a stopped position, another device is already positioned and prepared for the next measurement, ensuring continuous productivity without compromising the light collection requirements for precise measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical measuring system for a measuring machine includes at least two scanning devices for intermittently moving through alternately timed sequences of static measuring positions at which a measuring beam is directed to and from a test object. An optical switch selectively routes the measuring beam through any one of the scanning devices that has settled into one of the static measuring positions.