Rotary Encoder Radial Adjustment via Intermediary Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting rotary encoders on machine parts lack effective and predictable radial adjustment techniques, leading to potential eccentricity errors and difficulties in achieving precise radial positioning.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a rotary scale member with radially-compliant flexures and a radial adjustment device that allows for controlled radial displacement by interacting with a radial stop member, directing the reaction force into the machine part, thereby enabling precise adjustment of the encoder's radial position without significant deformation of the encoder body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary scale member is mounted on a machine part without integral features for radial stops, then the mounting versatility is improved, but the radial positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate radial stop member as an intermediary component that is not integral to the machine part. This stop member acts as a mediator between the machine part and the rotary scale member, providing the necessary radial positioning reference without requiring integral features on the machine part itself, thus maintaining mounting versatility while achieving positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the radial positioning function into a separate component (radial stop member) rather than integrating it into the machine part. This segmentation allows the machine part to maintain its original design without integral features, preserving versatility, while the separate stop member provides the precise radial positioning reference needed.
2Ease of operation
If radial adjustment is performed by direct manipulation of the rotary scale member, then the adjustment ease is improved, but the scale features deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a radial adjustment device as an intermediary tool that interacts with the rotary scale member through its body rather than directly with the scale features. This intermediary mechanism allows operators to perform radial adjustment easily while preventing direct contact with and potential deformation of the精密 scale features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the adjustment function from direct manipulation of the scale member and implements it through a separate radial adjustment device. This extraction allows the adjustment operation to be performed on the body of the rotary scale member without directly affecting the scale features, maintaining their precision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the rotary scale member is rigidly fixed to the machine part, then the positioning stability is improved, but the radial adjustment capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mounting system where the rotary scale member can be adjusted radially during installation and then fixed. The system transitions from a adjustable state (during mounting) to a rigid fixed state (during operation), providing both adjustment capability and positioning stability at different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs radial adjustment as a preliminary action during the mounting process before final fixation. The radial stop member and adjustment device enable precise radial positioning to be established beforehand, after which the rigid connection is made to maintain this positioned stability during operation.
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 method provides predictable and controlled radial adjustment of the rotary scale member, minimizing eccentricity errors and ensuring precise positioning, even on machine parts without integral features for radial stop members, while maintaining the encoder's metrological performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least three, radially-compliant flexures
Data Source
AI summary
A method of mounting rotary scale member on machine part includes: locating rotary scale member on machine part such that scale axis and axis of rotation are substantially parallel, and subsequently arranging at least a first radial adjustment device to contact both machine part and rotary scale member, and manipulating the at least first radial adjustment device to radially displace body of rotary scale member. At least the majority of any radial reaction force, generated as a result of the interaction of at least one of the flexures with a radial stop member against which it is radially pressed, and which is imparted on the at least first radial adjustment device by rotary scale member in opposition to the radial displacement of the rotary scale member, is directed into, and reacted by, the machine part via the contact between the at least first radial adjustment device and the machine part.