Portable Metrology Device Articulated Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metrology devices, such as CMMs and calipers, are either expensive, inflexible, or limited in their ability to measure a variety of shapes and sizes, and articulated arm-type devices lack portability and flexibility due to their fixed reference requirements.
Innovation Solution
A portable metrology device comprising articulated rigid links with sensors and a processor that can determine distances between probes, allowing for multiple degrees of freedom and the ability to 'wrap' around objects, with optional grounding for absolute positioning and communication with a host computer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If articulated arm-type CMM devices are used, then measurement flexibility and portability are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates compared to traditional CMMs
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the measurement system into multiple articulated segments or links connected by joints, allowing the structure to adapt to various measurement geometries while maintaining precision through individual segment sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm structure with multiple degrees of freedom enables the device to measure diverse shapes and sizes across different applications, providing universal measurement capability while maintaining accuracy through sensor integration
2Ease of manufacture
If articulated arm-type CMM devices are used, then device cost is reduced compared to traditional CMMs, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement mechanisms with electronic sensors and computational processing, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining or improving measurement precision through digital sensing and calibration
3Stability of the object's composition
If articulated arm-type CMM devices are grounded to a fixed reference surface, then measurement stability is improved, but device portability and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static grounded configuration to a dynamic portable system where the reference frame can be moved and repositioned, maintaining measurement stability through internal sensing and calibration while enabling portability across different locations
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional calipers are used, then device cost is reduced, but measurement versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated measurement device with multiple degrees of freedom and sensor integration provides universal measurement capability for various geometries and configurations, replacing multiple specialized tools while maintaining cost-effectiveness
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for a portable metrology device are described. One embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus including a first link, a first probe coupled with the first link by a first coupling operable to move in a first degree of freedom, a second probe coupled with the first link by a second coupling operable to move in a second degree of freedom, a first sensor operable to output a first sensor signal associated with a motion of the first coupling, and a second sensor operable to output a second sensor signal associated with a motion of the second coupling. The embodiment also includes a processor in communication with the first and second sensors and operable to: receive the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal, and determine a distance between the first probe and the second probe based at least in part on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal.