Portable Coordinate Measuring Machine Infinite Rotation Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable coordinate measuring machines (PCMMs) face challenges in achieving accurate measurements due to the need for infinite rotation while maintaining portability, lightweight design, and ruggedness, which is often restricted by the use of wiring in joints, leading to increased manufacturing and inventory costs.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates encoder-based joint assemblies with rotatable processor boards and slip rings to enable infinite rotation, allowing for precise measurement data transmission without the limitations of traditional wiring, while reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional wiring is used in joint assemblies to transmit signals and power, then the device structure is simpler and manufacturing is easier, but the rotational freedom is restricted and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional wiring from the joint assemblies and extracts only the essential function of signal transmission. This is achieved by implementing infinite rotation capability in the joint assemblies without carrying wiring, thereby eliminating the restriction on rotational freedom while reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint assemblies are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable infinite rotation, and transmit measurement signals from encoders and transducers. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate wiring while maintaining signal transmission capability, thus resolving the contradiction between rotational freedom and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If infinite rotation is implemented in joint assemblies, then rotational freedom is improved, but manufacturing and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cost-effective encoder designs and joint assembly configurations that enable infinite rotation without requiring expensive components. By using affordable encoder technologies and simplifying the joint assembly structure, the system achieves infinite rotational capability while keeping manufacturing and inventory costs within commercial standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the joint assemblies by eliminating rotational limits and implementing continuous rotation capability. This parameter change is achieved through design modifications that allow the joints to rotate indefinitely without mechanical constraints, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining cost-effectiveness through standardized component designs.
3Weight of moving object
If portable coordinate measuring machines are made lightweight and rugged for portability, then ease of transport is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite materials and optimized structural designs in the transfer members and joint assemblies to achieve a high strength-to-weight ratio. This allows the PCMM to be lightweight and portable while maintaining the structural rigidity and stability required for highly accurate measurements, thereby resolving the contradiction between portability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring machine is divided into modular components including transfer members, joint assemblies, and encoder units. This segmentation allows for optimized weight distribution and enables the use of lightweight materials in non-critical areas while maintaining structural integrity and measurement accuracy in critical components, thus achieving both portability and 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
This solution enables accurate and cost-effective infinite rotation in PCMMs, maintaining commercial standards of accuracy while simplifying manufacturing and reducing inventory costs.
Implementation Method 1
The first joint assembly comprises an encoder for each of the at least one axes of rotation. The encoder is configured to generate a signal corresponding to rotation of the first joint assembly about the axis of rotation.
Implementation Method 2
The slip ring electrically couples the first board support to the second board support.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable coordinate measurement machine having three articulating arm transfer members can provide accurate measurements. The transfer members can be single tube assemblies. The transfer members can each be rotatably joined by relatively short articulating joint assemblies allowing relative rotation of adjacent transfer members about two degrees of freedom. Encoders can be used to measure the relative rotation about each of the degrees of freedom, and signals from the encoders can be digitized by processor boards positioned within the transfer members. Processor boards can be placed in tandem in the transfer members, and one or more of the processor boards can be mounted on a rotatable assembly. Slip rings can electrically couple all of the processor boards to allow for infinite rotatability of the articulating arm.