Rotor-Mounted Probe for High-Speed Scanning with Vibration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coordinate measuring systems face limitations in maximum scanning speed due to vibrations and require frequent probe changes to measure complex surfaces, leading to reduced efficiency and increased errors.

Innovation Solution

A coordinate measuring system with a rotor-connected measuring probe that allows for offset positioning and rotation, enabling high-speed scanning with minimal vibrations and adaptability to complex surfaces through modular, interchangeable probes with continuous rotation and translation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high scanning speed is used, then productivity is improved, but vibrations increase causing measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning speedVSAvoidcoordinate precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The probe is mounted on a rotor that can rotate independently from the spindle, allowing dynamic adjustment of the probe's position and orientation during measurement. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain stability at high scanning speeds while minimizing vibrations that would otherwise compromise measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system is divided into separate functional components: the spindle handles the primary translation along the Z-axis, while the rotor handles the rotational movement and probe positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the rotor specifically designed to minimize vibrations during high-speed rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex surfaces are measured, then adaptability is improved, but probe changes are required reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface complexityVSAvoidprobe change time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor-mounted probe system provides universal adaptability through its ability to rotate and reposition the same probe to measure different surface geometries. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized probes or frequent probe changes when measuring complex surfaces, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If scanning speed is increased, then productivity is improved, but vibrations from mass oscillation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning speedVSAvoidvibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The independent rotor rotation capability allows the system to dynamically adjust the probe's position and orientation during measurement, separating the rotational function from the translational spindle movement. This dynamic configuration enables high scanning speeds while the rotor's design minimizes vibrations generated by mass oscillation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotor system incorporates counterbalancing mechanisms that offset the harmful vibrations generated during high-speed rotation. By introducing counterweights or damping elements in the rotor assembly, the system cancels out vibration effects, allowing high scanning speeds without compromising measurement stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Data Source

PatentEP1975546B1Method of using multi-axis positioning and measuring system
Publication Date: 2010.09.15 HEXAGON METROLOGY A B (SE)
  • EP1975546B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1975546B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1975546B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The positioning and measuring system includes a coordinate positioning machine comprising a movable spindle (60) movable relative to a reference surface 30, a rotor (100) rotatably connected with the movable spindle, an actuator (500) for driving the rotor (100) in rotation around a rotation axis (65), and a coordinate probe (150, 190) detachably connectable to the rotor (100) for measuring coordinate of points (350) of a workpiece (200, 201, 250) along a path resulting from the composition of a translation movement of the spindle (60) and a rotation of the rotor (100). The points (350) are offset (r) with respect to the rotation axis (65) of the rotor (100).