Sealed Battery Cover for Coordinate Measurement Machine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coordinate measurement machines (CMMs) face challenges in protecting their internal components, particularly batteries, from environmental contaminants such as dust and moisture, which can lead to corrosion and equipment failure.
Innovation Solution
A sealed battery system is implemented within the coordinate measurement apparatus, utilizing a cover member with sealing members like gaskets or o-rings to enclose the battery, and securement members like bolts to prevent moisture and dust ingress, meeting industry standards like IP65 for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the battery is accessible and removable for maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but protection from environmental contaminants deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The battery compartment is segmented from the main device body through a removable cover design. This allows the battery to be accessed and replaced independently while the rest of the device remains sealed and protected from environmental contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed cover member acts as an intermediary between the battery compartment and the external environment. The cover includes seal members that prevent contaminant ingress while allowing the battery to be removed for replacement through controlled access points.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the device is fully sealed to prevent contaminant ingress, then protection from environmental contaminants is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into sealed and accessible segments. The battery compartment is designed as a separate accessible segment with a removable cover, while the main device body remains fully sealed. This segmentation allows the battery to be replaced without compromising the sealed integrity of the main device.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery compartment is pre-configured with seal members and securement members that maintain sealed integrity during normal operation. These preliminary sealing actions allow the battery to be accessed for replacement only when intentionally opened, preventing accidental contaminant ingress.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If seal members are added to prevent contaminant ingress, then protection from environmental contaminants is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
O-ring seals and grommet seals made of flexible materials are used to create effective barriers against environmental contaminants. These thin film seal members can conform to the mating surfaces of the cover and base, providing reliable sealing without adding significant structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member serves as an intermediary sealed barrier between the battery compartment and the external environment. By placing the seal members at the interface between the cover and base, the sealing function is concentrated in one location rather than requiring multiple sealing points throughout the device.
Data Source
AI summary
A coordinate measurement machine can include a battery positioned at least partially within the base of the machine. The battery allows operation of the coordinate measurement machine in locations that are remote from an AC power supply. The battery can be rechargeable and can be positioned in a battery adapter that serves as a battery charger. The coordinate measurement machine can also include a cover to enclose the battery within the base. The cover can include one or more sealing members to keep contaminants and other external objects away from the battery. The cover can be fastened to be base, for example, with bolts. The sealing members can be o-rings, gaskets, silicon membranes, seals, sealants, or another material. This sealed cover can meet or exceed industry standards for the protection of electrical components, such as ingress protection standard IP65 as administered by the International Electrotechnical Commission.