Sensor Support Layout for Thermally Stable Measuring Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring machines face challenges in achieving high accuracy due to thermal influences and undefined deformations of sensor supports, which affect the precision of measurement values.

Innovation Solution

A measuring machine design that includes a workpiece holder and workpiece measuring unit with contact or contactless probing capabilities, utilizing a support arrangement that provides a statically determined, stress-free support for sensor units, and thermal insulation for sensors to minimize deformation and thermal effects, combined with multiple position and reference sensors for precise positioning and measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensor support is rigidly fixed to the positioning body, then the sensor position is stable, but thermal expansion and deformation cause measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidthermal influences and deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor support system is segmented into multiple independent support points (first, second, third support points) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the support structure to accommodate thermal expansion and deformation independently at each point, preventing the transmission of thermal stresses to the sensor while maintaining positional stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support points are designed with variable positional parameters that allow them to adjust their locations in response to thermal expansion. The support structure changes its geometric parameters dynamically to compensate for thermal effects, maintaining the sensor's stable positioning despite temperature variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the sensor support structure is made more complex to compensate for thermal effects, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidsupport structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is designed to be self-compensating for thermal effects. The multiple support points automatically adjust their positions in response to thermal expansion through their mechanical degrees of freedom, without requiring external control systems or complex active compensation mechanisms. The structure serves its own thermal compensation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex active thermal compensation systems with a passive mechanical solution. Instead of using sensors, actuators, and control systems to compensate for thermal effects, the invention uses a mechanically designed support structure with multiple movable support points that inherently compensate for thermal expansion through their degrees of freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the positioning body is made more rigid to reduce deformation, then positional stability improves, but thermal stress and deformation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidthermal stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The support points are designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing them to move and adjust their locations in response to thermal expansion. Rather than relying on the static rigidity of the positioning body, the system uses the dynamic adjustment of support point positions to maintain stability, reducing thermal stress in the positioning body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances measurement accuracy by minimizing deformation-induced errors and thermal influences, allowing for precise determination of measurement values with improved positional accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

The support arrangement (51) is configured to provide a statically determined, stress-free support for the sensor support (50) on the positioning body (40)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStatically determined support:

Implementation Method 2

thermal insulation for sensors to minimize deformation and thermal effects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

at least one position sensor (60) that is configured to detect a position of the sensor support (50) relative to the positioning body (40)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosition detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20250369747A1Measuring machine

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 CARL MAHR HOLDING GMBH

AI summary

A measuring machine having at least one translational or rotational machine axis in order to move and/or position a workpiece holder and a workpiece measuring unit relative to one another. The at least one machine axis has for this purpose a positioning body, which is movably supported in a translational or rotational movement degree of freedom on an assigned guide and on which a sensor support is supported via a support arrangement. The support arrangement is configured to provide a statically determined support of the sensor support on the positioning body and to concurrently provide a tensionless support. In this manner it is avoided that torsions or other deformations of the positioning body occur to the sensor support, the workpiece holder and the workpiece measuring unit.