Retaining Module Tilting Action for Magnetic Coupling Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating releasably coupled modules in coordinate positioning machines, such as coordinate measuring machines, require significant magnetic force, especially for large and heavy task modules, and can be unpredictable when multiple modules are stacked with similar magnetic couplings, making it difficult to reliably separate them.
Innovation Solution
A method involving simultaneous movement and rotation of the retaining module to separate it from the task module using a tilting action, controlled to maintain the axis of rotation close to the coupling interface, allowing for predictable and efficient separation without the need for complex mechanisms or high forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic force is increased to separate large and heavy task modules, then separation reliability improves, but the force required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the separation process from a static force opposition into a dynamic rotational motion. The retaining module rotates about an axis during separation, converting linear magnetic attraction into rotational kinetic energy. This dynamic approach allows separation with reduced peak forces compared to direct linear separation, as the rotational motion distributes the separation effort over time and angle rather than requiring immediate overcoming of full magnetic attraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the separation parameter from linear force to rotational angle. Instead of applying increasing linear force to overcome magnetic attraction, the system uses rotational movement where the separation is achieved through angular displacement. The axis of rotation is positioned to optimize this parameter change, allowing the task module to be separated by rotating the retaining module rather than by direct linear pulling, thereby reducing the peak force requirement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple task modules are stacked with similar magnetic couplings, then system flexibility improves, but separation predictability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform separation field through strategic placement of the rotation axis. Rather than having uniform magnetic coupling throughout the stacked modules, the rotation axis is positioned at a specific location that creates varying separation forces at different interfaces. This local differentiation in the separation mechanism ensures that the desired interface separates predictably while other interfaces remain engaged, maintaining system flexibility with reliable separation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the rotation axis at an optimal location before separation occurs. This preliminary configuration of the rotation axis determines the separation sequence and ensures predictable detachment of the task module from the retaining module. By establishing the rotation axis position in advance, the system prepares the separation path that will preferentially break the desired coupling interface, ensuring reliable and predictable separation even with multiple stacked modules.
3Force
If complex mechanisms are added to reduce separation force, then force requirement decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by allowing the magnetic coupling itself to facilitate separation through the rotational motion. Rather than adding complex mechanical mechanisms to overcome magnetic attraction, the system uses the magnetic field's own properties - the rotation causes progressive breaking of magnetic bonds as the task module tilts away from the retaining module. The magnetic coupling that initially holds the modules together becomes part of the separation mechanism, reducing the need for additional force-reducing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics to simplify the separation mechanism by converting static magnetic opposition into dynamic rotational interaction. The rotational motion naturally reduces the effective magnetic coupling as the task module rotates away, eliminating the need for complex mechanical advantage systems. The dynamic approach uses the motion itself to reduce the force requirement, maintaining simplicity while achieving low-force separation.
4Strength
If high magnetic force is used to hold task modules, then holding strength improves, but separation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between holding strength and separation ease by introducing dynamic rotational motion. The strong magnetic force holds the modules firmly during operation, but during separation, the rotation transforms this static strong coupling into a dynamic process where the magnetic bonds break progressively. This allows strong holding during use while enabling easy separation through rotation, as the magnetic force does not need to be overcome all at once but rather gradually as the angle changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the separation parameter from linear force to rotational angle, allowing strong magnetic holding to be maintained while simplifying separation. The strong magnetic force provides excellent holding strength during measurement operations, but separation is achieved by changing the angular parameter rather than applying large linear forces. This parameter change allows the same magnetic coupling to provide both strong holding and easy separation through rotational detachment.
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 approach simplifies the design of the storage port, reduces the force required for separation, and ensures reliable separation of modules, even in stacked arrangements, by controlling the axis of rotation to preferentially break the desired coupling interface, thus avoiding sudden peak forces and strain on machine motors.
Implementation Method 1
The respective elements are held in engagement by the attraction between magnets provided on both the retaining and task modules 16, 18.
Implementation Method 2
a mechanism is provided within the storage port for separating the task module 18 from the retaining module 16 using a mechanical advantage. With such an arrangement, a linear movement of the retaining module 16 relative to the storage port causes the mechanism in the storage port to lever the task module 18 and the retaining module 16 apart.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided of controlling a coordinate positioning machine to separate a retaining module from a releasably coupled task module, the retaining module being provided on a movable part of the machine, and the method including: moving the retaining module to place the task module into engagement with a storage port for holding the task module; and moving and simultaneously rotating the retaining module to separate the retaining module from the task module with a tilting action of the retaining module.