Scanning Unit Assembly Aid Rotation Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current position measuring devices face challenges in achieving precise angular assignment between the scanning unit and the scale during assembly, requiring complex and space-intensive mounting aids with stringent manufacturing tolerances.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing an assembly aid that allows the scanning unit to be rotated about a reference element with a form-fit mechanism, using elastic arms to ensure play-free adjustment and secure clamping, facilitating accurate and simple assembly by monitoring electrical scanning signals for quality assurance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a mounting aid with adjusting screws and eccentric shoulders is used to achieve precise angular assignment, then the scanning unit can be adjusted accurately, but the device requires relatively large space and has high manufacturing tolerance demands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular assignment precisionVSAvoidmounting aid complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the adjustment mechanism from mechanical (screws with eccentric shoulders) to a simplified system where the scanning unit rotates directly about a reference element. The angular position is adjusted by rotating the scanning unit to different angles, monitored by electrical scanning signals, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the complex mounting aid components (adjusting screws, eccentric shoulders, mounting levels) from the assembly system. Instead, it uses a minimal reference element (such as a pin or cylinder) that serves as the rotation axis, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining adjustment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If traditional mounting aids with multiple adjusting screws are used, then adjustment is possible, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and space-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the scanning unit dynamically rotatable about the reference element during assembly, allowing continuous angular adjustment. This dynamic rotation capability enables quick positioning at different angles without the time-consuming step-by-step adjustment of multiple screws, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If play-free adjustment is achieved with conventional mounting aids, then precision is improved, but manufacturing tolerances must be greatly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplay-free adjustmentVSAvoidmanufacturing tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces electrical scanning signals as an intermediary to monitor and indicate the angular position of the scanning unit. These signals provide real-time feedback during rotation, allowing the assembler to achieve play-free adjustment by monitoring signal quality rather than relying on tight mechanical tolerances of adjustment components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical indication system (visual alignment, feeler gauges, or mechanical stops) with an electrical signal-based monitoring system. The scanning signals provide objective, measurable feedback on angular position, enabling precise adjustment without requiring the mechanical components to have extremely tight tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2975357B1Device comprising a scanning unit and an assembly aid and method for assembling the scanning unit
Publication Date: 2017.07.12 DR JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
  • EP2975357B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2975357B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2975357B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device comprising a scanning unit and an assembly aid and a method for assembling the scanning unit, and particularly a device with a scanning unit (2) and an assembly aid (3) with which the scanning unit (2) is rotatable about a rotational axis (D) of a reference element (4). The assembly aid (3) is configured to resiliently extrude the scanning unit (2) to the reference element (4).