Optical Probe Head Positioning Despite Thermal Shift Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring devices face errors in determining the spatial position and orientation of a probe head due to thermally and mechanically induced shifts in the seemingly stationary components of optical position sensing devices, leading to inaccuracies in three-dimensional measurements.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with a movable probe head and an optical position sensing system featuring multiple position determination modules connected by uninterrupted chains of visual contacts, where at least one module is on the probe head and another at a reference point, with optoelectronic detectors and marking elements, and a control device to determine the angular position and spatial pose, ensuring accurate positioning even with shifting components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stationary components of the optical position sensing device are used to determine probe head pose, then position determination is enabled, but thermally and mechanically induced shifts in these components cause measuring errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the previously stationary receiving units movable and equipping them with position determination modules. This allows the system to dynamically track and compensate for thermal and mechanical shifts in the receiving units themselves, transforming them from error sources into active participants in the measurement process that can self-correct their position changes.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensor systems are introduced to compensate for component shifts, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the position determination modules on the receiving units serve dual purposes: they both determine the position of the receiving units themselves and enable determination of the probe head pose. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate compensation sensors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
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 allows for precise determination of the probe head's spatial position and orientation, reducing measuring errors and avoiding the need for additional sensor systems, thus enhancing the accuracy of three-dimensional measurements and machine kinematic system positioning.
Implementation Method 1
A receiving unit includes at least one optoelectronic detector
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device includes a movable probe head and an optical position sensing device for determining the spatial position and orientation of the probe head relative to a reference point. The position sensing device includes at least three position determination modules, arranged as a transmission unit or as a receiving unit, at least one position determination module being situated on the probe head, and at least one position determination module being situated at the reference point. A transmission unit has transmission unit marking element(s). A receiving unit includes optoelectronic detector(s) and receiving unit marking element(s), positioned in a defined spatial relationship relative to the optoelectronic detector. Visual contacts exist between at least some of the position determination modules. The position determination module on the probe head and the position determination module at the reference point are connected by at least one uninterrupted chain of visual contacts.