Position Measuring Instrument With Dual Code Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absolute position measuring instruments face challenges in achieving a compact and reliable structure for generating accurate absolute position information, particularly in determining positions using pseudo-random codes.
Innovation Solution
A position measuring instrument with a code carrier having two parallel code tracks, each with a series of code elements that are complementary and disposed in succession, utilizing a scanning unit with detectors to generate scanning signals and code information, and an evaluation unit to form code words from overlapping code elements, ensuring reliable and accurate position measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple code tracks are used to determine absolute position in multiple directions, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple code tracks (first code track and second code track) into a single integrated structure where both tracks are scanned by the same scanning unit. The code words from both tracks are merged to form a combined absolute position identifier, reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-directional measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning unit is designed to scan both the first code track and the second code track using the same detectors and scanning mechanism. This multi-functional approach allows a single scanning unit to determine absolute position in multiple directions, improving measurement capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If code elements are disposed in succession with complementary subregions, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each code element is segmented into two complementary subregions (first subregion and second subregion) disposed in succession. This segmentation allows for precise optical scanning where detectors can distinguish between the complementary properties (e.g., transparent/opaque or reflective/non-reflective) of each subregion, improving measurement precision while maintaining manufacturability through standardized binary patterns.
3Reliability
If overlapping code elements from multiple tracks are used to form code words, then reliability of position determination is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit processes scanning signals from both code tracks and generates code information that feeds into forming the final code word. The systematic combination of N items of code information from the first code track and K items from the second code track creates a feedback mechanism that verifies position determination across multiple tracks, improving reliability while managing processing complexity through structured evaluation.
Data Source
AI summary
A position measuring instrument including a code carrier having first and second code tracks, each including an identical series of code elements, wherein each of the series of code elements has two subregions with complementary properties. A scanning unit having detectors for scanning code elements, wherein each of the code elements defines one corresponding code word, wherein each of the code words defines an absolute position in the measuring direction, and wherein the detectors form a corresponding scanning signal from each of the two subregions of the series of code elements. An evaluation unit generating one item of code information for each of the series of code elements from each corresponding scanning signal, and forming the corresponding code words from the one item of code information, wherein each of the code words is composed of N and K items of code information from successive code elements of the first and second code tracks, respectively, with N and K being greater than 1.