Redundant Path Measuring Apparatus with Isolated Waveguides

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing path measuring apparatuses face challenges in achieving redundancy with minimal dimensions and high shock resistance while maintaining low sensitivity to vibrations and electrical isolation.

Innovation Solution

A path measuring apparatus with a fibre-reinforced measuring path holder and flexible waveguides in electrically isolating silicone tubes, allowing for multiple redundant paths with defined support and reduced thermal expansion, and incorporating features like T-shaped elements and magnetic shielding to minimize crosstalk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple measuring paths are provided to achieve redundant path measurement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveredundant path measurementVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple measuring paths are merged into a single integrated measuring path holder, allowing redundant measurement functionality to be achieved without proportionally increasing overall device complexity. The holder consolidates multiple waveguides and associated components into one unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring path holder serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports multiple waveguides, provides electrical isolation between paths, offers mechanical stability against shock and vibration, and enables compact arrangement of redundant measuring paths within a single component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If multiple measuring paths are accommodated in a compact arrangement, then volume is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransducer dimensionsVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring path holder is designed with distinct recesses for each waveguide, segmenting the internal structure to accommodate multiple paths separately. This segmentation allows each waveguide to be positioned and secured independently, reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerances on overall assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple waveguides are nested within the measuring path holder in a compact arrangement, with each waveguide housed in its own recess. This nested configuration achieves space efficiency while maintaining adequate separation between paths through the recess structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If waveguides are supported with high shock resistance, then reliability is improved, but sensitivity to vibrations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock resistanceVSAvoidvibration sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring path holder provides different support characteristics at different locations: rigid support structures in recesses for shock resistance, while incorporating damping elements and flexible tube sections to reduce vibration sensitivity in specific areas where waveguides contact the holder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If measuring paths are electrically isolated, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Flexible tubes made of electrically isolating material are used to support and isolate individual waveguides from each other and from the measuring path holder. These flexible tubes provide electrical isolation while maintaining mechanical support and allowing for thermal expansion without requiring complex isolation structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The solution enables a compact, redundant path measuring apparatus with high shock stability, low vibration sensitivity, and effective electrical isolation, ensuring accurate position determination with minimized interference between measuring paths.

Implementation Method 1

A measuring path comprises a waveguide and comprises in particular a wire waveguide. The position of the position indicator and hence a path can be determined by determining a wave running time.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaveguide: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 2

In an area in which the circular magnetic field 158 and the magnetic field generated by the position indicator 14 interact with each other, elastic deformation occurs in the micro-range of the structure of the waveguide 118 due to magnetostriction.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetostriction: Magnetostriction

Data Source

PatentUS9182213B2Path measuring apparatus with multiple measuring paths

Publication Date: 2015.11.10 BALLUFF

AI summary

The invention relates to a path measuring apparatus comprising at least a first measuring path and a second measuring path, these measuring paths each having an extension in a longitudinal direction and being oriented parallel to one another in at least a measuring range, at least one position indicator which couples to the measuring paths in a non-contact manner, and a measuring path holder which extends in the measuring range and has recesses, each recess having a measuring path arranged therein.