Optoelectronic Measuring Device Single-Face Scale Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optoelectronic measuring devices with hollow profiles require separate access for fixing the graduated scale and the profile, making installation cumbersome, especially in environments where not all faces are accessible.

Innovation Solution

The optoelectronic measuring device allows both the scale fixing device and the profile fixing device to be accessible from the same face of the hollow profile, enabling simultaneous immobilization of the graduated scale and fixing of the profile to an object with a single actuation, without the need for holes in the graduated scale.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate access for fixing the graduated scale and the profile is required, then the fixing operation can be performed, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation processVSAvoidfixing operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the access points for the scale fixing device and profile fixing device into a single face of the hollow profile. This merging of access requirements eliminates the need for separate access operations, simplifying the installation process while maintaining the integrity of both fixing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple actuations are required to immobilize the graduated scale, then the scale can be secured in both measuring directions, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmobilization of graduated scaleVSAvoidfixing operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The scale fixing device is designed with a cam mechanism that automatically exerts pressure on the graduated scale in the anchoring direction when the elongated element is actuated in the scale fixing direction. This preliminary action ensures that both immobilization functions are achieved with a single actuation, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable immobilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If holes are made in the graduated scale for immobilization, then the scale can be secured, but the structure of the graduated scale becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmobilization of graduated scaleVSAvoidgraduated scale structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the immobilization function from the graduated scale structure itself and relocates it to the scale fixing device. The scale fixing device with its cam mechanism and pressure-exerting elements provides the immobilization function externally, eliminating the need for holes or modifications to the graduated scale structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 configuration simplifies the installation process by ensuring both fixing elements are accessible from the same face, reducing complexity and improving ease of use regardless of mounting conditions, and allows immobilization in both measuring directions with a single actuation.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitter emitting a light beam to illuminate the graduated scale, a detection device receiving the light going through or reflected by the graduated scale

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3657135B1Optoelectronic measuring device
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 FAGOR AUTOMATION SCOOP
  • EP3657135B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3657135B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (100) configured for measuring the relative position between two objects, one of the objects being movable with respect to the other object along a longitudinal axis (X). The device (100) comprises a graduated scale (3), a hollow profile (4) defining an inner cavity and a channel (4.0) arranged in said inner cavity, extending in the longitudinal axis (X) and being configured for housing the graduated scale (3), a scale fixing device for immobilizing the graduated scale (3) in the hollow profile (4) in both measuring directions (A1, A2) along the longitudinal axis (X), and a profile fixing device for fixing the hollow profile (4) to one of the objects (1). Both fixing devices are accessible from the same face of the hollow profile (4) to perform the corresponding fixing operation.