Optical Probe Glass Markers Dimensional Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical coordinate measuring devices face accuracy issues due to dimensional changes in the probe, particularly caused by moisture absorption, leading to instability in the positional relationship among light sources, which affects the precision of coordinate measurement.

Innovation Solution

The optical coordinate measuring device incorporates a probe with light transmitting portions made of glass, held by a low-moisture absorption material, and a light shielding film to maintain a constant positional relationship among markers, ensuring accurate image capture and coordinate calculation. The probe includes a diffusion member for uniform light emission and a buffer member for impact protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If light transmitting portions are made of resin or other moisture-absorbing materials, then manufacturing is easier and cost is lower, but dimensional stability deteriorates due to moisture absorption causing positional relationship changes among markers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoiddimensional stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from moisture-absorbing materials (resin) to moisture-resistant material (glass), fundamentally altering the dimensional stability characteristic while maintaining the light transmitting function through appropriate glass selection and treatment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by combining glass light transmitting portions with a light shielding film made of different material properties, where each material contributes its optimal characteristics - glass for dimensional stability and the film for precise optical boundary definition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the light shielding film is made thick to ensure complete light blocking, then light shielding effectiveness is improved, but image distortion increases due to edge effects and the outer shape of markers becomes less precise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight shielding effectivenessVSAvoidmarker position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the light shielding film extremely thin and positioning it precisely at the boundaries of light transmitting regions, so that light shielding is effective where needed (at edges) while minimizing interference with the overall optical path and marker image formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thickness parameter of the light shielding film to an extremely small value, fundamentally altering its optical interaction from bulk shielding to boundary-defined shielding, which prevents image distortion while maintaining light blocking effectiveness at marker edges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the probe is made without protective elements, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to mechanical stress and impact damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidprobe durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a buffer member that provides mechanical protection and shock absorption for the probe, preventing damage from impacts and mechanical stress before they can affect the precision components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 configuration prevents deterioration in measurement accuracy by maintaining dimensional stability and ensuring precise coordinate calculation, while also protecting the probe from mechanical stress.

Implementation Method 1

made of glass that transmits light emitted by the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a light shielding film which is formed on the surfaces of the plurality of light transmitting portions except for each of the light transmitting regions so as to form an outer shape of the marker

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

an imaging unit which captures images of the plurality of markers of the probe, to generate image data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage capture: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS9557159B2Optical coordinate measuring device

Publication Date: 2017.01.31 KEYENCE CORP

AI summary

Provided is an optical coordinate measuring device that prevents deterioration in measurement accuracy. A holding member is made of a material having low moisture absorption properties and a small linear expansion coefficient. A marker member is held by the holding member. The marker member includes a plate member made of glass. A light shielding mask is formed by printing on one surface of the plate member except for a plurality of circular regions. A light emitting substrate is arranged below the marker member. A plurality of light emitting elements are mounted on the upper surfaces of the light emitting substrates.