Polychromatic Sensor Head for Flexible Dimensional Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact measuring apparatuses are specialized for specific applications and lack flexibility to determine dimensional characteristics of various measurement objects with both high accuracy and broad measurement range, particularly for objects with diverse structures.
Innovation Solution
A measuring apparatus and method utilizing a sensor head with a polychromatic light source and optical system capable of producing two distinct ranges of color-dependent foci, allowing for both coarse and fine measurement modes within a single system, enabling quick and flexible switching between modes without requiring new equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a non-contact sensor head is designed for long working distance to measure deep structures, then the measurement range is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system dynamically switches between two measurement modes (coarse and fine) by changing the evaluation algorithm based on the measured distance. The system adapts its measurement approach in real-time: using coarse measurement with larger wavelength differences for long distances, and fine measurement with smaller wavelength differences for short distances, thereby optimizing both measurement range and precision across different working conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the evaluation parameters (wavelength difference threshold) based on the measured distance. When the distance exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system switches from fine measurement mode to coarse measurement mode, adjusting the spectral evaluation criteria to match the measurement range requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between range and precision
2Measurement precision
If specialized measuring apparatus is designed for specific applications, then the measurement precision is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor head is designed with universal applicability by incorporating a dual-mode measurement capability that can handle both coarse and fine measurement requirements. The optical system with polychromatic light source and spectrometer can perform multiple measurement functions by switching evaluation modes, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices for different measurement tasks while maintaining high precision across applications
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its measurement strategy based on the application requirements by switching between coarse and fine measurement modes. This dynamic adaptability allows a single sensor head to serve multiple measurement purposes with varying precision requirements, from deep structure measurement to high-precision dimensional characterization
3Measurement precision
If multiple specialized systems are used to cover different measurement requirements, then the measurement precision for each application is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges coarse measurement and fine measurement capabilities into a single sensor head by integrating the optical system with polychromatic light source, spectrometer, and dual-mode evaluation unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate measurement systems while maintaining high precision for both measurement types, thereby reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal sensor head is designed to perform both coarse and fine measurements by incorporating an optical system that can operate in two evaluation modes. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized systems, reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision across different applications
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 flexible, fast, and accurate determination of dimensional characteristics for various measurement objects, accommodating both broad measurement ranges and high accuracy requirements without the need for multiple systems or equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor head is based chromatic aberration and exploits the color dependent focus positions of an optical system
Implementation Method 2
The reflected light spectrum is analyzed using the spectrometer
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring apparatus and method for determining dimensional characteristics of a measurement object use a sensor head in order to register desired measurement points on the measurement object. The sensor head comprises a polychromatic light source for generating light having various wavelengths of light, a spectrometer, and an optical system having at least one lens element. The optical system produces a first defined range of color dependent foci and a second defined range of color dependent foci in front of the at least one lens element. The spectrometer generates a first spectral information when the measurement object is in the first defined range, and it generates a second spectral information when the measurement object is in the second defined range. An evaluation unit exploits the first spectral range in a coarse measurement mode, and it exploits the second spectral range in a fine measurement mode.