Coordinate Measuring Probe Laser Control for Heat Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-contact-type coordinate measuring apparatuses face challenges with reduced operability and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for separate instruction light emitters, which also lead to heat-related issues and reduced environmental resistance.
Innovation Solution
A coordinate measuring apparatus with a controller that adjusts the emitting optical system based on the output of image capture elements, turning on the light only when incident light is detected within a predetermined region and blinking it when not detected, eliminating the need for separate instruction light emitters and allowing for improved operability and environmental resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate instruction light emitter is provided to verify laser positioning, then operability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the instruction light function with the existing laser light source by using the same laser to serve dual purposes: both as the measurement light source and as the instruction light for verifying positioning. This eliminates the need for a separate instruction light emitter, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining improved operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser light source is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the measurement light source for coordinate detection and the instruction light source for guiding proper positioning. This multi-functionality approach allows one component to replace what would traditionally require separate components, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a separate instruction light emitter is provided, then operability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the instruction light function into the existing laser system, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble a separate instruction light emitter. This merging of functions directly reduces manufacturing costs by reducing the number of components that need to be produced and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
By designing the laser to serve dual purposes (measurement and instruction), the patent eliminates the need to manufacture a separate instruction light emitter, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining the operational benefits of having an instruction light.
3Ease of operation
If an instruction light emitter is continuously on to verify positioning, then operability is improved, but heat generation increases causing drift and malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the laser to emit light in alternating states (on/off or varying intensity) that serve as the instruction signal. This periodic emission provides the necessary positioning verification information while minimizing the total energy consumption and heat generation compared to continuous illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser emission is made dynamic by varying its intensity or temporal pattern based on operational needs. The laser emits light with different characteristics depending on whether it is providing measurement light or instruction light, thereby reducing unnecessary heat generation while maintaining operational effectiveness.
4Temperature
If a cooling fan is attached to manage heat from the light emitter, then heat dissipation is improved, but vibration is transmitted to the probe reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or eliminates the cooling fan component from the system by reducing the light emitter's heat generation through periodic action and dynamic control. By removing the fan, the source of vibration that would compromise measurement accuracy is eliminated, while heat management is achieved through more efficient light emission control.
5Temperature
If air holes are provided for cooling the measurement probe, then heat dissipation is improved, but environmental resistance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for air holes in the probe structure by reducing heat generation at the source through periodic and dynamic light emission control. By removing the requirement for passive cooling features like air holes, the probe's environmental resistance and sealing integrity are maintained without compromising heat dissipation.
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
This solution enhances operability by allowing operators to verify the distance between the probe and work piece without additional light sources, reduces costs by minimizing components, and prevents heat-induced issues, while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an image capture apparatus having a plurality of image capture elements arranged on an image capture plane and capturing an image of the work piece
Implementation Method 2
the light incident on the work piece surface (i.e., spatial coordinates of an contour shape of the work piece) can be calculated using a triangulation method, based on the emitting direction of the emitting optical system, the image capture direction of the image capture apparatus, a distance between the emitting optical system and the image capture apparatus, and the captured image
Data Source
AI summary
Coordinate measuring apparatus includes a probe having an optical system emitting light along a plane at a workpiece, an image capture apparatus having image capture elements arranged on an image capture plane and capturing an image of the workpiece from a position different from that of the predetermined plane, and a controller controlling the emitting optical system. The controller determines whether the image capture elements arranged in an image capture region on the image capture plane detect light incident on the workpiece due to the light from the emitting optical system, turns on the light emitted from the emitting optical system when the image capture elements arranged within the image capture region detect the incident light, and blinks the light emitted from the emitting optical system at a predetermined periodicity when the image capture elements arranged within the image capture region do not detect the incident light.