Measurement Probe Configuration Through Characteristic Machine Movements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless measurement probes for machine tools face challenges in programming complexity and efficiency, particularly when a large number of probes need to be configured, leading to programming errors and time-consuming tasks due to the use of DIP switches and trigger-logic techniques.
Innovation Solution
A method of encoding information as characteristic movements of the probe, using a machine's existing mechanisms to impart these movements, and decoding them at the probe for configuration and communication, eliminating the need for separate communication channels and simplifying the programming process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DIP switches are used to pre-set probe modes, then the probe can be configured for different operations, but the device complexity increases and programming becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical DIP switch system with an optical communication system. The probe receives configuration data optically from an external source, eliminating the need for internal mechanical switches. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to configure different probe modes and operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the configuration functionality from the probe's internal structure by removing DIP switches entirely. Instead, configuration data is transmitted externally through optical communication, separating the configuration mechanism from the probe body and reducing internal complexity.
2Ease of operation
If trigger-logic technique is used to program probe modes, then programming becomes easier without DIP switches, but programming errors increase and time consumption increases when programming multiple probes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual trigger-logic programming method with automated optical data transmission. Configuration parameters are transmitted optically from an external controller to multiple probes simultaneously, eliminating manual programming steps and reducing the time required to program multiple probes while maintaining ease of operation through external control.
3Speed
If wireless communication interface is set up before probe configuration, then communication can begin, but the communication channel cannot be used for configuration before setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication channel setup and configuration processes by using the same optical interface for both purposes. The optical communication channel is established first for basic communication, then the same channel is used to transmit configuration data to the probe, eliminating the need for separate configuration access methods and enabling configuration after communication startup.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of communicating information to a measurement probe mounted on a coordinate positioning machine includes encoding the information as one or more of a plurality of characteristic movements of the probe, controlling the machine to impart the movement(s) to the probe, detecting the movement(s) at the probe, and decoding the information at the probe from the detected movement(s). A measurement probe for use in such a method is mountable to the machine and includes at least one movement sensor for sensing movement imparted to the measurement probe by the machine, and a controller for determining whether the sensed movement includes one or more of the plurality of characteristic movements of the probe and for performing an operation at or controlling operation of the probe in dependence on the determination.