Optical Sensor With Switchable Beam Path For CMM

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Solution Overview

Problem

Coordinate measuring machines face inefficiencies due to the need for frequent sensor exchanges to adapt to varying object geometries and environmental conditions, leading to increased measurement time and reduced accuracy, especially when measuring complex or difficult-to-reach surfaces.

Innovation Solution

An optical sensor with a switchable beam path and optomechanical coupling unit allows for automated and precise coupling to a coordinate measuring machine, enabling bidirectional measuring radiation transmission through two optical channels with different emission axes, allowing for adaptive measurement without sensor exchange, and combining optical and tactile measurements for enhanced accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single optical sensor is used for coordinate measuring machine, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different object geometries deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor arrangementVSAvoidmeasurement of different surface geometries

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The optical sensor is divided into multiple measuring channels (at least two), each with its own beam path and emission axis. This segmentation allows the sensor to handle different measurement tasks through channel switching, maintaining low device complexity while improving adaptability to various object geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor incorporates a switchable beam path mechanism that dynamically redirects the measuring beam between different channels based on the measurement requirements. This dynamic switching capability enables the single sensor to adapt to different object geometries without physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If optical sensor is exchanged frequently to adapt to different measurements, then adaptability improves, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematching sensor for surface sectionVSAvoidsensor exchange procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The optical sensor is designed as a universal measuring device with multiple measuring channels that can be switched between different measurement modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for frequent sensor exchanges while maintaining adaptability to different object geometries, significantly reducing measurement time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If pivotable sensor is used for curved surface measurement, then measurement accuracy improves, but suitability for borehole measurement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorthogonal incidence on surfaceVSAvoidmeasurement of borehole

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor provides separate measuring channels with different emission axes, allowing selection of the appropriate channel for specific measurement geometries. For curved surfaces, one channel provides orthogonal incidence, while for boreholes, another channel with suitable emission angle can be selected, maintaining both measurement precision and adaptability.

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

This solution significantly reduces measurement time and enhances accuracy by enabling flexible and efficient measurement of diverse surface geometries using a single sensor arrangement, adapting to different measurement requirements without sensor exchange, and improving the overall efficiency of the measuring process.

Implementation Method 1

first optical measuring channel, by means of which bidirectional measuring radiation transmission can be provided between the measuring device and a first exit window of the optical sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a switch, in particular an optical switch, for controlled variation of the measuring radiation transmission between at least the first or the second optical measuring channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical switching:

Implementation Method 3

an (optomechanical) coupling unit, which is configured for the automatable or automated coupling of the optical sensor to the measuring device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical coupling:

Data Source

PatentUS10234272B2Optical sensor having variable measuring channels

Publication Date: 2019.03.19 TESA SA(CH)

AI summary

Optical sensors are adapted for distance measurement by emission and capture of measuring radiation reflected from an object to be measured. The optical sensors can be used with measuring devices, including coordinate measuring machines. The optical sensors have an optomechanical coupling unit, configured for automated coupling of the optical sensor to the measuring device and for bidirectional measuring radiation transmission between measuring device and optical sensor. The optical sensors have a first optical measuring channel, by which bidirectional measuring radiation transmission is provided between the measuring device and a first exit window of the optical sensor. The optical sensors have a second optical measuring channel, by which bidirectional measuring radiation transmission is provided between the measuring device and a second exit window of the optical sensor, and a switch for controlled variation of the measuring radiation transmission between at least the first or the second optical measuring channel.