Optical Tool Calibration Using a Common Stop Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools with optical tools, such as laser cutting machines, require separate calibration for each tool, which is inefficient and lacks precision in aligning focal positions.
Innovation Solution
A calibration apparatus with a housing, stop aperture, sensor arrangement, and light source arrangement is used to calibrate multiple optical tools simultaneously, ensuring a common focal position and orientation by capturing and emitting light through the stop aperture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate calibration means are used for each optical tool, then each tool can be calibrated individually, but the calibration process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple calibration functions into a single calibration apparatus. The housing contains multiple sensor arrangements and light source arrangements that can simultaneously calibrate multiple optical tools (laser tool and optical measurement tool) using one unified calibration object with multiple stop apertures, eliminating the need for separate calibration devices for each tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration apparatus is designed as a universal device that can calibrate different types of optical tools simultaneously. The housing with multiple stop apertures and corresponding sensor/light source arrangements serves as a multi-functional calibration station that handles both laser tools and optical measurement tools through a single integrated system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate calibration devices are used, then each optical tool can be calibrated independently, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple calibration devices into one integrated housing structure. The housing contains multiple stop apertures, sensor arrangements, and light source arrangements that work together as a single calibration system, reducing the number of separate devices needed while maintaining calibration accuracy for multiple optical tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration apparatus uses a nested structure where multiple sensor arrangements and light source arrangements are housed within a single housing. The calibration object with multiple stop apertures is positioned within the housing, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall system complexity and space requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If calibration is performed separately for each tool, then focal positions can be calibrated, but alignment accuracy between multiple tools deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the calibration processes of multiple optical tools into a single simultaneous operation. By using one calibration apparatus with multiple stop apertures and sensor arrangements, the system ensures that all optical tools are calibrated against a common reference frame, improving alignment accuracy between tools while maintaining focal position precision.
4Ease of operation
If ambient light is present during calibration, then the calibration environment is more practical, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration process from the ambient environment by creating a controlled light environment within the housing. The housing encloses the sensor arrangements, light source arrangements, and calibration object, isolating them from ambient light interference while allowing the calibration to proceed with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary that mediates between the calibration components and the ambient environment. It provides a controlled optical environment for the sensor and light source arrangements while protecting them from ambient light interference, thus maintaining measurement precision.
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
Facilitates quick and precise calibration of multiple optical tools, improving alignment accuracy and reducing the need for separate devices, while minimizing interference from ambient light.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor arrangement for capturing light that is incident through the stop aperture
Implementation Method 2
a light source arrangement for emitting light through the stop aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration apparatus for a processing system with a plurality of optical tools is provided. The calibration apparatus includes a housing with a stop aperture, a sensor arrangement for capturing light that is incident through the stop aperture, and a light source arrangement for emitting light through the stop aperture.