Ring-Shaped Illumination Module for Coordinate Measuring Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coordinate measuring machines with optical sensors face challenges due to heavy and complex lighting modules that limit flexibility and increase inertia, making it difficult to regulate the optical sensor head, especially during fast measurement processes.
Innovation Solution
A lighting module with a ring-shaped base body and interchangeable interface device, featuring a mechanical or magnetic coupling mechanism, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without the need for active energy supply, and enabling various lighting configurations for different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting modules are used with optical sensors, then illumination function is provided, but weight increases and inertia increases making regulation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting module is separated from the optical sensor head into an independent interchangeable component. The sensor head and lighting module can be used separately or combined, allowing the lighting function to be segmented and replaced based on measurement requirements rather than being permanently integrated with the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed integrated lighting-sensor assembly to a dynamic configuration where the lighting module can be quickly exchanged. The interchangeable interface with mechanical and magnetic coupling enables the lighting module to be attached or detached as needed, providing dynamic adaptability.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting modules are used with optical sensors, then illumination function is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting module is designed as a separate functional unit with its own base body and interface, segmented from the complex sensor system. This segmentation simplifies the overall device architecture by allowing the lighting function to be independently designed, manufactured, and replaced without affecting the sensor head complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable interface design allows the same interface structure to serve multiple functions: mechanical coupling, magnetic coupling, and defined positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms for each function.
3Illumination intensity
If heavy lighting modules are used, then illumination function is provided, but measurement speed decreases due to increased inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic adaptation by allowing quick exchange of lighting modules based on measurement requirements. When high-speed measurement is needed, lighter lighting modules can be selected and attached, optimizing the inertia characteristics for speed while maintaining illumination functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows changing the physical parameters of the lighting module (weight, size, illumination characteristics) by selecting different modules from the available set. This parameter variability enables optimization of the inertia-to-illumination ratio for different measurement scenarios.
4Device complexity
If fixed lighting configurations are used, then simple design is maintained, but adaptability to different applications decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized interchangeable interface provides universal compatibility between different lighting modules and sensor heads. This universal interface maintains design simplicity while enabling a wide variety of lighting configurations and applications through module exchange rather than redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The quick-exchange interface allows the lighting configuration to be adapted dynamically to different measurement tasks, workpiece types, and illumination requirements while maintaining a simple base interface design.
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 provides a flexible and lightweight illumination system that can be quickly swapped, reducing inertia and improving the speed of measurement processes while allowing for customizable lighting setups suitable for various working distances and surface types.
Implementation Method 1
The first interface device has a mechanical coupling device for sensor-side coupling of the lighting module
Implementation Method 2
The first interface device has at least one permanent magnet for sensor-side coupling of the lighting module
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an illumination module (24) for a co-ordinate measuring machine (10) for measuring a workpiece by means of an optical sensor (22), said illumination module (24) having a base body (61) that comprises a sensor side (62) and a workpiece side (64). The sensor side (62) has a first interface assembly (58) at least for coupling the illumination module (24) to the sensor side in a defined position and the illumination module (24) has at least one illumination arrangement (88, 104, 106) for illuminating the workpiece (18). In addition, the base body (61) is in the form of a ring with a free central area (78) and an edge region (80), the at least one illumination arrangement (88, 104, 106) and the first interface assembly (58) being located in the edge region (80).