3D Scanning Plate With Artifact Alignment Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D scanning systems require frequent setup changes for different parts, as they lack versatile fixtures and unique features for accurate scanning, leading to inefficiencies in time and program creation.
Innovation Solution
A 3D scanning system with a plate equipped with artifacts, such as multi-sided posts and frustum tips, and imaging targets, that can be positioned and recorded to facilitate efficient scanning by allowing standard programs and fixtures to accommodate various parts, enabling scan-to-scan matching and orientation determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional scanning systems use simple flat plates with threaded mounting holes for holding parts, then the system structure remains simple, but setup time increases and scanning efficiency decreases due to frequent setup changes for different parts
Solution Approach 1:
The plate body is pre-equipped with multiple artifact alignment apertures arranged in predetermined patterns, allowing artifacts to be pre-positioned in various configurations. This preliminary arrangement of mounting features enables rapid artifact placement without time-consuming setup adjustments for different parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate body serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting base for artifacts, contains predetermined artifact alignment apertures for various artifact configurations, includes position indices for recording, and offers mounting apertures for fixtures. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate fixtures for different scanning scenarios.
2Measurement precision
If custom fixtures are created for each part to ensure accurate scanning, then scanning precision is maintained, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Artifacts serve as intermediary reference elements between the scanning system and the part. These standardized artifacts with known geometries (frustum tips, multi-sided posts, spheres) provide reliable scan-to-scan matching features, eliminating the need for complex custom fixtures while maintaining scanning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses artifacts with specific geometric parameters (frustum angles, multi-sided post configurations, sphere diameters) that can be scanned and recognized by the imaging software. These parameter-defined artifacts provide consistent reference points for orientation determination and accurate scanning without requiring custom fixture design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If parts lack unique features for scan-to-scan matching, then part design flexibility is maintained, but scanning reliability decreases due to inability to accurately match and align scans
Solution Approach 1:
Artifacts with unique geometric features (frustum tips, multi-sided posts, spheres) serve as intermediary reference elements that provide reliable scan-to-scan matching. These artifacts compensate for parts lacking unique features, enabling accurate scan alignment while maintaining part design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The artifacts provide localized unique features (specific frustum tip geometries, multi-sided post configurations, sphere positions) at specific locations on the plate, while the rest of the system remains general-purpose. This local quality enhancement enables reliable scanning without constraining overall part design flexibility.
4Measurement precision
If different programs are created for each part to accommodate setup variations, then scanning accuracy is maintained, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Position indices on the plate provide feedback information about artifact locations and configurations. The imaging software uses these indices to automatically determine artifact positions and orientations, enabling consistent scanning programs to be used across different parts without manual reprogramming.
Solution Approach 2:
The artifacts with imaging targets enable the scanning system to automatically determine part orientation and configuration. The imaging software self-adjusts based on the detected artifact positions and indices, eliminating the need for manual program creation and setup for each part.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A plate (100) for a 3D scanning system can include a plate body (101) configured to mount to a 3D scanning system, and a plurality of artifact alignment apertures (103) defined in the plate body (101) arranged in a predetermined pattern to allow a predetermined mounting arrangement of one or more artifacts. The artifact alignment apertures (103) are configured to allow an artifact to be mounted to the plate body (101).