Precision Scan Sphere with Magnetic Insert for Metrology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metrology systems face challenges in achieving precise location and surface area for scanning in industrial applications, particularly in heavy equipment manufacturing and assembly line settings, where close tolerance applications require improved precision and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A precision scan sphere with a larger diameter than standard 1.5″ spheres, featuring a surface conducive to laser scanning, and a magnetic insert to fit within a 1.5″ sphere mount, allowing for accurate location and increased surface area for scanning, while maintaining compatibility with existing tooling and metrology systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a standard 1.5" sphere is used, then compatibility with existing metrology systems is maintained, but the surface area for scanning is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing a smaller 1.5" sphere inside a larger sphere. The 1.5" sphere is positioned within the larger sphere such that its center aligns with the larger sphere's center, allowing the larger sphere to provide increased scanning surface area while the 1.5" sphere maintains compatibility with existing metrology tooling through magnetic attachment to the sphere mount.
2Measurement precision
If a larger diameter sphere is used, then scanning precision and surface area are improved, but compatibility with existing 1.5" sphere mounts is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The larger diameter sphere contains a nested 1.5" sphere that interfaces with existing 1.5" sphere mounts. This nested configuration allows the outer larger sphere to provide enhanced scanning precision through increased surface area, while the inner 1.5" sphere ensures mechanical compatibility with standard sphere mount tooling through magnetic attachment.
3Area of stationary object
If the sphere diameter is increased, then more surface area is available for scanning, but the sphere cannot be mounted in standard 1.5" mounts
Solution Approach 1:
The solution nests a standard 1.5" sphere within the larger sphere, positioning it so the centers align. The 1.5" sphere attaches magnetically to the 1.5" sphere mount, enabling easy mounting and operation with existing tooling while the larger outer sphere provides the needed increased surface area for scanning operations.
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 precise location determination and increased surface area for scanning, enhancing precision and adaptability in industrial applications, allowing the use of the same tooling and measurement points as standard 1.5″ spheres, thereby improving data gathering across multiple systems.
Implementation Method 1
The radius that matches the SMR either part or whole is attracted to a magnet.
Data Source
AI summary
A precision scan sphere designed for use in conjunction with scanner technology, and includes a full or partial sphere, having a laser detecting surface, and which can be mounted by a shank into a holder, or held by a steel insert that may be applied to a sphere mount, during its application and usage. Because of the reduction and size of the insert, as applied to the bottom of the scan sphere, as an example, a 2.375 inch diameter sphere can mount directly to a 1.5 inch sphere mount, during its application and usage.