Coordinate Measuring Probe Head Rotary Turntable Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing probe heads for coordinate measuring machines lack effective protection against damage from the probe tool falling during rotation, particularly due to insufficient attachment to the retaining pin, and often incorporate unnecessary rotary drives that can affect measuring accuracy and increase weight.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a detector on the turntable that generates signals representing the locking and release positions of the locking mechanism, allowing for monitoring of the attachment status and preventing unauthorized rotation, thereby ensuring secure attachment and preventing falls, and using measuring force generators for rotation without a special rotary drive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary drive is integrated in the probe to rotate the turntable, then the probe tool can be rotated to different angular positions, but the rotary drive generates heat that adversely affects measuring accuracy and increases the weight of the probe
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary drive is extracted from the probe and relocated to the coordinate measuring machine. Only the essential rotating elements (turntable, probe tool) remain in the probe, eliminating the heat-generating motor while preserving rotation capability. The probe tool is rotated by moving the entire probe with the rotary drive at the C-axis, not by spinning the turntable within the probe.
Solution Approach 2:
The C-axis rotary drive of the coordinate measuring machine serves multiple functions: it rotates the probe tool to different angular positions, positions the probe for measurement, and replaces the need for a dedicated rotary drive in the probe. This multi-functional use eliminates redundant components.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to secure the turntable to the retaining pin, then the attachment is secured, but without a detector to monitor the locking position, the probe tool may loosen and fall during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
A detector (e.g., magnetic sensor, capacitive sensor, or optical sensor) monitors the locking mechanism's position and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit receives signals indicating whether the locking element is in the locked or unlocked position, enabling real-time monitoring of the turntable's attachment status and preventing operation when improperly locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical locking mechanism is supplemented with a non-contact sensing system (magnetic, capacitive, or optical detector) that replaces the need for complex mechanical position indicators. This electronic monitoring approach is simpler and more reliable than mechanical feedback systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple locking elements are distributed on the turntable to define rotational angle positions, then precise angular positioning is achieved, but the complexity of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the turntable have different properties: the peripheral region contains multiple locking elements for precise angular positioning, while the central region has a simple through-hole for the retaining pin. This localized differentiation achieves precise positioning without uniformly increasing complexity throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent locking elements distributed around the turntable's circumference. Each locking element independently defines a specific rotational angle position, allowing precise angular positioning while maintaining a simple overall structure where each element is individually straightforward.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A probe head for a coordinate measuring machine has a coupling part having a retaining pin, on which a probe tool is detachably arranged. The probe tool has at least one stylus for touching a measurement object, and a rotary plate. The rotary plate is coupled to the coupling part by means of the retaining pin in one of a plurality of defined rotation angle positions. Moreover, the rotary plate has a latching mechanism including at least one adjustable latching element and a detector. The latching element has a latching position in which it fastens the rotary plate on the retaining pin, and it has a release position in which it releases the retaining pin. The detector generates a signal which is representative of at least one from the latching position and the release position.