Nonlinear Support Profile for Constant Beam Orientation in CMMs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning apparatus in coordinate measurement machines (CMMs) suffer from deformation issues due to the application of loads, leading to variations in the orientation and height of beams, which affect measurement accuracy and limit the use of longer beams and larger objects.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a support with a non-linear profile that compensates for these deformations by maintaining the beam at a constant orientation and height through deformation, allowing for lighter and longer beams, reducing dynamic mass and improving metrological performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a long beam is used to measure larger objects, then the measurement capability is improved, but the beam deformation under load increases, worsening measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The support profile geometry is changed from a standard linear profile to a specifically designed non-linear profile. This parameter change in the support structure causes the beam to maintain constant orientation despite position changes along the support, resolving the contradiction between beam length and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The support is given a curved non-linear profile instead of a straight linear profile. This curvature is specifically designed to compensate for beam deformation, allowing the beam to remain at constant orientation throughout its range of motion, thus enabling longer beams without sacrificing measurement accuracy
2Stability of the object's composition
If a heavy beam is used to maintain stability, then the beam orientation stability is improved, but the moving mass increases, worsening dynamic performance
Solution Approach 1:
The natural deformation of the beam under its own weight is converted from a harmful effect into a beneficial one. By designing the support profile to match the expected deformation curve, the beam's weight-induced sag is transformed into a feature that maintains constant beam orientation, allowing lighter beams to achieve the same stability as heavier ones
Solution Approach 2:
The support profile parameter is changed to a non-linear geometry that specifically compensates for the beam's weight-induced deformation. This allows the use of lighter beams with maintained orientation stability throughout the measurement range
3Measurement precision
If a heavy support structure is used to prevent deformation, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire support structure heavier and more complex, only the profile geometry of the support is locally modified. The non-linear profile is designed to provide precise deformation compensation at each position along the beam's travel, achieving high measurement accuracy without overall structural complexity
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 enhances measurement accuracy and enables the use of larger objects by maintaining beam orientation and reducing moving mass, thus improving dynamic performance and measurement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the profile of the support is deformed such that the beam is maintained at a substantially constant orientation for all locations of the beam along the support
Data Source
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Figure 5~6(b)
AI summary
A positioning apparatus (100) comprising a support (108) extending in a first direction, and a beam (108) extending in a second direction. The beam (110) movably mounted to the support (108) so as to be movable in the first direction and exerts a load on the support. The support comprises a profile (302) which when the beam (110) exerts the load thereon the profile of the support (108) is deformed such that the beam is maintained at a substantially constant orientation for all locations of the beam (110) along the support (108).