Skew-Axis Probe Head with Push Rod Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coordinate measuring machines lack flexibility and precision in orienting sensors for diverse measurement tasks, with existing probe heads being either complex, heavy, or limited in their ability to change sensor types and orientations.
Innovation Solution
A probe head with two skew axes of rotation and a push rod mechanism allows for independent and flexible spatial orientation, enabling rapid and precise measurement of complex workpieces without the need for additional axes or complex electrical drives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a six-axis rotary joint is used to achieve almost any desired spatial orientations of the probe head, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The probe head is divided into multiple modular components: a probe head body, a first rotary drive unit for first-axis rotation, a second rotary drive unit for second-axis rotation, and an exchangeable sensor module. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe head body with its two rotary drive units is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different sensor types (tactile stylus, optical sensor, laser sensor) through standardized mounting interfaces. This multi-functionality allows the same mechanical structure to serve multiple measurement purposes without requiring a completely new rotary joint for each sensor type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical drives are integrated into the probe head to enable flexible orientation, then the adaptability is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary drive units are designed to provide dynamic positioning capability, allowing the sensor to be oriented as needed during measurement tasks. The drives can be activated only when orientation adjustment is required, rather than continuously operating, thereby reducing heat generation while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe head body acts as an intermediary between the coordinate measuring machine and the sensor. It provides the necessary orientation flexibility through its rotary mechanisms while keeping the heat-generating electrical drives isolated from the sensor, preventing thermal interference with measurements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional rotation axes are added to the probe head to increase flexibility, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The probe head utilizes two rotation axes that are spatially arranged in different dimensions (first axis and second axis perpendicular to each other), allowing the sensor to achieve a wide range of orientations through combined rotations. This dimensional arrangement provides flexibility equivalent to more axes while maintaining a compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The second rotary drive unit and its rotation axis are positioned within or alongside the structure of the first rotary drive unit, creating a nested configuration. This nesting allows both rotary mechanisms to coexist in a compact space, maximizing flexibility while minimizing the probe head's overall volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A probe head for a coordinate measuring machine has a first probe head part with an interface, for coupling the probe head to the coordinate measuring machine. A second probe head part is coupled to the first probe head part and is rotatable relative to the first probe head part about a first axis. A third probe head part is coupled to the second probe head part and is pivotable relative to the second probe head part about a second axis. The first and second axes lie askew in relation to each other. A first actuator pivots the third probe head part about the second axis via a push rod coupled to the third probe head part at a lateral distance from the second axis. The first actuator moves the push rod in a longitudinal direction to pivot the third probe head part relative to the second probe head part.