Optical Component Thickness Measurement via Rotating Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for geometric measurement of optical components, such as lenses, are unable to accurately measure thickness and determine wedge errors, which are crucial for quality assurance and precision engineering.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base, carrier device, and object holder that includes a distance measuring device and reference structures for non-contact scanning of an object's surfaces, allowing for precise determination of thickness and wedge errors through two-dimensional or three-dimensional scanning and virtual three-dimensional simulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single reference object is used for surface scanning, then the device structure is simple, but thickness measurement and wedge error determination are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The reference object is segmented into two separate reference objects (first reference object and second reference object) positioned at different locations. This segmentation enables independent measurement of different surfaces of the optical component, allowing thickness and wedge error measurements while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system transitions from single-surface scanning to multi-surface measurement by adding spatial dimensionality. The first and second reference objects are positioned to measure opposite surfaces of the optical component, creating a three-dimensional measurement capability that enables thickness and wedge error determination.
2Measurement precision
If multiple distance sensors are used to measure both surfaces, then thickness measurement becomes possible, but the device becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The object holder is made rotatable to dynamically switch between measuring the first surface and the second surface of the optical component. This dynamic repositioning allows a single distance sensor to perform multiple measurement functions, reducing the need for multiple sensors and simplifying the overall device configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance sensor is designed with multi-functionality, capable of measuring both the first surface and the second surface of the optical component by rotating the object holder. This universal measurement capability eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors for each surface, reducing device complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the object holder can be fixed in multiple orientations, then both surfaces can be measured, but the mounting mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The object holder employs a simple rotatable mounting mechanism that allows dynamic repositioning between first orientation (measuring first surface) and second orientation (measuring second surface). This rotational capability provides multi-orientation measurement versatility without requiring complex multi-position locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable object holder enables self-service functionality where the same holder and distance sensor combination can measure both surfaces of the optical component. The system uses its own components in different configurations rather than requiring additional dedicated measurement systems for each surface.
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
Enables high-precision measurement of thickness and wedge errors in optical components, providing a compact and cost-effective solution for geometric measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a distance sensor which is configured to determine a first distance to a first point on the surface section of the object
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and method for geometrically measuring an object (14), with: - a base (11) and a support system (12) arranged thereon for the object (14); - at least one reference object (18, 20) which can be fixed relative to the base (11); - at least one distance measuring system (70), by means of which a distance between the reference object (18, 20) and the surface (14a, 14b) of the object (14) facing the reference object (18, 20) can be determined; and - an object holder (100) having a top side (104) and an underside (106), to which the object (14) can be attached, wherein the object holder (100) can be selectively arranged in a first orientation (1) and in a second orientation (2) on the support system (12); - wherein the distance measuring system (70) and the object holder (100) are movable relative to each other in order to scan the surface (14a, 14b) of the object (14), and the object holder (100) has on the top side (104) thereof and on the underside (106) thereof respective reference structures (108, 110) corresponding to the relative motion of the object holder (100) and the distance measuring system (70).