Optical Sensor Collision Protection via Magnetic Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical sensors for coordinate measurement machines lack effective collision protection, as they are sensitive to mechanical loading and cannot detect collisions, leading to potential damage and difficulty in replacement.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a sensor protection coupling with a coupling part on both the measurement machine and sensor element sides, featuring an optical waveguide protection element and a release sensor, which allows the sensor element to be released before damage occurs, and using magnetic or spring-based attachments for secure holding and easy replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If optical sensors are moved past the workpiece surface without touching it, then measurement capability is maintained, but collision protection is lost and damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision protectionVSAvoidmechanical loading sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a magnetic coupling mechanism that creates a protective gap between the sensor element and the sensor holder. This gap acts as a cushion that allows the sensor element to move independently during collisions, preventing direct mechanical transmission of impact forces to the fragile optical waveguide and sensor elements, thereby providing beforehand cushioning against collision damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic coupling field as an intermediary between the sensor element and the sensor holder. This magnetic field mediates the connection, allowing force transmission during normal operation while permitting relative movement during collisions. The magnetic coupling acts as a flexible intermediary that protects the optical components from direct mechanical loading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the sensor element is held without play on the sensor holder, then measurement precision is maintained, but collision damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor positioning accuracyVSAvoidcollision resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static rigid connection between sensor element and sensor holder into a dynamic magnetic coupling. During normal measurement operations, the magnetic coupling maintains precise positioning without play. During collisions, the coupling becomes dynamic, allowing the sensor element to move independently, thus adapting the connection characteristics to different operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic coupling creates a controlled gap that cushions against collision forces before they can reach the sensor element. This beforehand cushioning mechanism allows precise positioning during normal operation while providing protection during abnormal collision events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Force

If a central magnet is used for sensor attachment, then holding force is sufficient, but optical waveguide routing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic holding forceVSAvoidoptical waveguide routing

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the magnetic coupling system into multiple components: a first magnetic coupling element on the sensor element and a second magnetic coupling element on the sensor holder. This segmentation allows the optical waveguide to be routed through the sensor element and exit at a location away from the center, making waveguide routing much easier while still providing sufficient holding force through the distributed magnetic coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution provides enhanced collision protection, extends the lifespan of optical sensors, and simplifies replacement by allowing the sensor to automatically return to its initial position after a collision, ensuring continuous operation without external intervention.

Implementation Method 1

an optical waveguide which is routed between the coupling parts of the sensor protection coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical waveguide: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 2

The sensor element is held, preferably magnetically, on a sensor holder via precision bearings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS8397395B2Optical sensor with collision protection for a measurement machine

Publication Date: 2013.03.19 LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG

AI summary

The invention relates to an optical sensor with collision protection for a measurement machine, in particular for a coordinate measurement machine. The optical sensor comprises a sensor-side coupling part for mechanically and optically connecting to the measurement machine, and a sensor element. According to the invention, the sensor comprises a sensor protective coupling as collision protection, said protective coupling comprising a coupling part on the measurement machine side and a coupling part on the sensor element side, wherein a fiber optic cable is routed between the coupling parts of the sensor protective coupling and wherein a fiber optic cable protection element surrounds the fiber optic cable, wherein the ends of the fiber optic cable protection element are fastened to the associated coupling part of the sensor protective coupling.