Optical Receptacle Detection for Faster CMM Component Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
The setup of coordinate measuring machines is time-consuming and complex due to the manual determination of recording device properties such as position, orientation, and type, which requires relative movements and probing processes, limiting flexibility and increasing the risk of errors.
Innovation Solution
A method using an optical monitoring sensor with a large detection area to capture two- or three-dimensional images of recording devices, allowing for automatic detection and property determination, reducing the need for manual measurement and relative movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual determination of recording device properties is used, then measurement accuracy can be ensured through probing processes, but setup time increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical probing system with an optical monitoring sensor system. Instead of using tactile probes to manually determine the position, orientation, and type of recording devices, the system uses optical sensors (cameras) to automatically detect and capture images of the recording devices. This substitution eliminates the need for time-consuming manual probing while maintaining detection accuracy through image processing and automated property determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the recording devices to be automatically detected and characterized without human intervention. The optical monitoring sensors continuously monitor the workspace and automatically determine properties such as position, orientation, and type of recording devices based on captured images. This automated self-determination process eliminates the need for operators to manually probe and record device properties, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If relative movements and probing processes are performed, then accurate property determination is achieved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical probing operations with a simplified optical imaging system. Instead of requiring coordinated relative movements between probes and recording devices, the system uses fixed or stationary optical monitoring sensors to capture images. The complexity of mechanical coordination is replaced by automated image processing algorithms that automatically determine properties from static or dynamic images, reducing operational difficulty while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates optical copies (images) of the recording devices instead of physically interacting with them through probing. By capturing visual representations and analyzing these copies through image processing, the system determines properties such as position, orientation, and type without requiring complex mechanical movements or probe manipulations. This copying approach simplifies the system while maintaining measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual setup procedures are used, then flexibility in component changes is limited, but automation extent remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic component change management through self-service functionality. The optical monitoring sensors automatically detect when recording devices are added, removed, or repositioned in the workspace. The system autonomously determines device properties from captured images and updates its internal model without human intervention. This automation enhances flexibility by allowing rapid component changes while the system independently adapts to new configurations, eliminating the need for manual reprogramming or setup adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through optical monitoring. The monitoring sensors continuously capture images of the workspace and automatically analyze changes in recording device positions, orientations, or types. This real-time feedback enables the system to automatically adapt to component changes, enhancing flexibility by allowing dynamic reconfiguration. The automated detection and property determination provide immediate feedback that triggers appropriate system responses, eliminating delays associated with manual setup procedures.
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 approach simplifies the setup process by enabling quick and accurate detection of recording device properties, facilitating automatic component changes and reducing setup time and error risk.
Implementation Method 1
detecting at least a predominant part of the receiving device with an optical monitoring sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a coordinate measuring machine (60), wherein a receiving device (14) is provided for receiving at least one interchangeable component of the coordinate measuring machine (60), in particular for a measuring sensor (9) or a measuring sensor component (5, 13), and the method comprises: - detecting at least a predominant portion of the receiving device (60) with an optical monitoring sensor (26), which is different from a measuring sensor (9) of the coordinate measuring machine (60) used for workpiece measurement; - determining at least one predetermined property of the receiving device (14) based on the detection; - performing a component exchange operation taking into account the determined property. The invention further relates to an arrangement (11) for detecting such receiving devices (14).