Separate Linear Encoder Yaw Angle Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing separate linear encoders face challenges in efficiently and accurately adjusting the yaw angle of a detection head with respect to a scale, relying on oscilloscope measurements which are inefficient and prone to inaccuracies.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a first calculation device to determine the yaw angle based on the gap between detection portions, a second calculation device to assess signal strength, and a display device to show relationships between yaw angles and signal strengths, allowing for precise adjustment of the yaw angle by guiding it to the optimum position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If oscilloscope-based signal strength measurement is used to adjust yaw angle, then measurement capability is provided, but adjustment efficiency and accuracy deteriorate due to random movement and visual following requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyaw angle measurement accuracyVSAvoidadjustment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic feedback control by using the calculation device to continuously monitor signal strength from the oscilloscope and automatically adjust the yaw angle based on calculated optimal values, eliminating the need for manual visual following and random movement while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated calculation and control system that uses computational devices to determine optimal yaw angles and automatically implements adjustments, substituting human operation with automated mechanical control

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

2Ease of operation

If manual visual following of signal strength changes is used, then adjustment process is simple, but measurement accuracy and adjustment precision worsen due to difficulty in efficiently finding optimum angle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment process simplicityVSAvoidyaw angle adjustment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment by automatically calculating optimal yaw angles and implementing corrections without requiring manual visual following, making the system self-correcting while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate scale and detection head are assembled manually, then assembly flexibility is provided, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to difficulty in maintaining predetermined mutual positional relationship

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidpositional relationship accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses automatic feedback control where the calculation device continuously monitors signal strength and automatically adjusts the detection head position relative to the scale, ensuring predetermined positional relationships are maintained without requiring high manual assembly precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual positioning and alignment operations with automated calculation and control systems that use computational algorithms to determine and implement precise positional relationships between separate components

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

Data Source

PatentEP2765393B1Separate linear encoder
Publication Date: 2016.09.21 MITUTOYO CORP
  • EP2765393B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2765393B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(B)
  • EP2765393B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

In a separate encoder (100), a scale(102) is further provided with an ABS track(106) that is arranged in parallel with an INC track(104) and a detection head(110) includes an ABS detection portion (114) that reads the ABS track(106). The separate encoder (100) includes a calculation portion (120,220,320) that obtains a yaw angle (ϕ) of the detection head(110) with respect to a scale(102) based on a gap(d) between an INC detection portion (112) and an ABS detection portion (114) and a difference amount (δ) between a position(Xinc) of the INC track(104), which is detected by the INC detection portion (112), and a position(Xabs) of the ABS track(106), which is detected by the ABS detection portion (114). The calculation portion (120, 220, 320) also obtains a signal strength(I) based on two-phase sine wave signals(Am, Bm) that are output from the INC detection portion (112). The separate encoder (100) further includes a display unit(130,220,320) that displays a plurality of yaw angles (ϕ) and the signal strengths(I) corresponding to the respective yaw angles (ϕ).