Six-DOF Measuring Aid Module for Flexible Sensor Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for determining 3D coordinates of points on an object surface lack flexibility and efficiency, particularly in using both tactile and non-contact scanning measuring heads, and often compromise on measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A Six-DOF measuring aid module that enables flexible use of both tactile and non-contact scanning measuring heads by determining the pose of a measuring head/sensor in up to six degrees of freedom, using a laser tracker, with a body featuring an object coupling device, a sensor attachment coupling device, and visual markings to facilitate precise orientation and communication for accurate 3D coordinate determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single measuring head is designed for specific measurement tasks, then measurement accuracy is improved, but adaptability to different measurement configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring head is designed with a universal interface system that allows it to function in multiple measurement configurations. The interface includes standardized coupling elements that can connect to different sensor attachments (tactile probes, laser scanners, camera systems) and different support structures (robotic arms, fixed mounts, handheld devices), enabling a single measuring head to perform various measurement tasks while maintaining measurement accuracy through consistent coordinate transformation capabilities
2Productivity
If measuring heads are designed for automated guided kinematic chains or robotic arms, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring head incorporates a dynamic interface system that can adapt its coupling mechanism based on the application. The interface includes quickly interchangeable sensor attachments and support device connections that allow operators to rapidly reconfigure the system for different measurement tasks, maintaining high productivity while significantly improving ease of operation through tool-like handling and quick-change capabilities
3Measurement precision
If tactile measuring heads with pin-shaped probes are used, then measurement precision is improved, but the ability to measure complex surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring head is segmented into a modular architecture where the core measuring unit can be coupled with different sensor attachments. This includes tactile probes for precise point measurements, laser scanners for surface scanning, and camera systems for visual measurement. Each sensor attachment maintains measurement precision for its specific function while the modular system provides versatility for measuring complex surfaces through multiple measurement modalities
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
The module allows for highly precise and efficient determination of 3D coordinates, enabling flexible manual or automatic guidance of measuring heads, enhancing measurement accuracy and efficiency by providing a communicative and electrical interface for data exchange and power supply, and integrating with collision avoidance systems for automated platforms.
Implementation Method 1
a beam source for emitting measurement radiation. A point on an object's surface to be measured is illuminated by the measurement radiation, which is then reflected back from the illuminated point
Implementation Method 2
A point on an object's surface to be measured is illuminated by the measurement radiation, which is then reflected back from the illuminated point
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a Six-DOF measuring aid module which can be used in a system comprising a laser tracker for determining the position and orientation of the Six-DOF measuring aid module for determining 3D coordinates of points to be measured on an object surface.The Six-DOF measuring aid module has a body with an object coupling device with an object interface, which object coupling device is designed to alternatively couple a handle to the body in a fixed position and the body to a mobile platform via the object interface, a sensor attachment coupling device with a sensor interface, which sensor attachment coupling device is designed to alternatively couple a non-contact measuring sensor attachment and a tactile measuring sensor attachment to the body via the sensor interface in a fixed position, and visual markings that are arranged in a defined spatial relationship forming a pattern on the body in a marking area and make the orientation of the Six-DOF measuring aid module determinable for the laser tracker.