Coordinate Measuring Sensor Element Collision Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor elements for measuring machines lack effective collision protection in the z-direction, leading to potential damage during perpendicular movements and jamming issues with optical fibers, and do not adequately dampen tilting or separating processes.

Innovation Solution

A sensor element design where the probe component is subjected to a force away from the coupling to the measuring machine, utilizing a centrally arranged compression spring or ring-shaped springs to guide optical fibers, allowing unrestricted mobility and preventing jamming, while providing spring-assisted bearing in three directions (x, y, z) for enhanced collision protection and damping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the probe component is attracted onto the coupling side using magnets or springs in the z-direction, then simple construction is achieved, but collision protection in the z-direction is insufficient and damage can occur during perpendicular movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimple constructionVSAvoidcollision protection in z-direction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional force direction: instead of attracting the probe component toward the coupling side (z-direction), the probe component is attracted toward the probe element side (x-direction). This inversion allows the probe component to tilt away from the coupling side during collision, providing effective collision protection in the z-direction while maintaining simple construction using magnets or springs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the probe component dynamically tiltable relative to the probe component holder. The probe component can rotate around an axis perpendicular to the z-direction, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position during collision to avoid damage. This dynamic capability is achieved through the inverted force attraction toward the probe element side rather than the coupling side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If optical fibers are used for measurement radiation transmission, then contactless optical measurement is enabled, but jamming processes occur during folding back of the probe component

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontactless optical measurementVSAvoidprotection against fiber jamming

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a protective tube as an intermediary element that guides the optical fiber from the probe element to the coupling side. This protective tube prevents the optical fiber from jamming during probe component folding back while still allowing transmission of measurement radiation. The protective tube acts as a mediator between the moving probe component and the stationary coupling side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If low speeds and accelerations are used during probe movement to avoid collision, then collision damage is reduced, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision damageVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides beforehand cushioning by designing the probe component with attraction force toward the probe element side rather than the coupling side. This pre-configured force system allows the probe component to safely withstand collision forces without damage, enabling higher movement speeds and accelerations during measurement while maintaining protection against collision damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 design ensures robust collision protection in the z-direction, prevents fiber jamming, and allows for higher measurement speeds by absorbing collision forces, reducing the need for separate protection elements and calibration, and enables effective damping of relative movements.

Implementation Method 1

The base receives a force acting in the direction of the probe element from a compression spring, in particular a centrally arranged cylindrical or spindle-shaped compression spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The base is received by at least one bearing which is arranged on the probe component holder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9459091B2Sensor element for a measuring machine, in particular a coordinate measuring machine

Publication Date: 2016.10.04 HEXAGON INNOVATION HUB GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a sensor element for a measuring machine, having a sensing component with a sensing element for optically measuring a surface; a sensing element receiving portion with a plate-shaped base; and a sensor housing with a sensing component receiving portion comprising at least one bearing which contacts the base, which has at least one defined bearing point, and via which the sensing component is connected in a movable manner relative to the sensing component receiving portion. The sensor housing has a coupling on a housing coupling side for connecting to the measuring machine and at least partly surrounds the sensing component at the base, and a force directed in the direction of the sensing element is applied to the base. The sensing component receiving portion lies in the sensor housing opposite the coupling side and has the at a least one bearing.