Optical Positioning Track for Mechanical Member Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position measurement systems for mechanical members, such as hydraulic cylinders, face challenges including high costs, long operating times, corrosion, wear, limited maximum measurable length, and complexity due to the use of chromium-plated surfaces and precise machining processes.
Innovation Solution
A system with a positioning track comprising sectors of equal sectional length, where each sector has distinct delimitation and identification sections with different optical contrasts, allowing for reduced machined zones and increased measurable length, and a method using optical detection means to identify sector positions through image acquisition and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the first sections of the sectors are made with large machined zones to increase measurable length, then the maximum measurable length is improved, but the production costs and operating times increase due to extensive laser ablation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating delimitation sections with machined zones that have different optical properties (lower reflection coefficient) compared to the non-machined identification sections. This allows the positioning track to use minimal machining only where necessary for delimitation, rather than extensive machining across entire sectors, thereby reducing production costs and operating times while maintaining the ability to measure long distances through multiple sectors
2Reliability
If the first sections of the sectors are machined extensively to create positioning tracks, then the positioning function is improved, but the resistance to corrosion and wear deteriorates due to alteration of the chromium plating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by restricting machined zones to only the delimitation sections rather than the entire first sections. This localized machining approach maintains the protective chromium plating on the majority of the surface (in the identification sections), preserving corrosion and wear resistance, while still providing sufficient machined features for the optical sensor to detect sector boundaries and maintain accurate positioning function
3Measurement precision
If the sectors are made with increasing thickness of first sections to encode position, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise machining processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating only delimitation sections with precise machining rather than requiring precise control of the entire first section thickness. The delimitation sections serve as clear boundaries that the optical sensor can easily detect, simplifying the machining requirements while maintaining high measurement precision through the contrast between machined and non-machined zones
4Productivity
If the machined zones are reduced to lower production costs, then the production costs are improved, but the detection reliability deteriorates due to insufficient optical contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the optical contrast enhancement precisely in the delimitation sections where it is most needed for sector boundary detection. The optical sensor is configured to detect the specific pattern of contrast changes at these localized delimitation points, maintaining high detection reliability while minimizing the extent of machining required, thereby reducing production costs
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 reduces production costs and times, enhances resistance to corrosion and wear, and extends the maximum measurable length while simplifying the system's structure and operation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor, such as a linear sensor, adapted to detect a reflected radiation coming from the positioning track itself
Data Source
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AI summary
System for measuring the position of a mechanical member, which comprises optical detection means (2) intended to be arranged on a first mechanical member (101), and a positioning track (3) intended to be arranged on a second mechanical member (102) susceptible of relative motion with respect to the first mechanical member (101). The positioning track (3) is provided with at least one succession (4) of multiple sectors (5), and each of which comprises a first delimitation section (11) and a second delimitation section (12) spaced from each other, and a first identification section (13) and a second identification section (14) which are provided with a different optical contrast with respect to the first delimitation section (11) and to the second delimitation section (12). In each said sector (5), the first identification section (13) is delimited between the first delimitation section (11) and the second delimitation section (12). In addition, the length of the identification sections (13, 14) of each said sector (5) is different from the length of the identification sections (13, 14) of each other sector (5) of the succession (4), so as to unequivocally identify the corresponding sector (5).