Spherical Holder Measuring Device for Spatial Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices for detecting spatial displacements of movement axes in machines, such as machine tools and robots, face challenges in achieving high accuracy and flexibility while being easy to manufacture, particularly in the context of five-axis machining which requires precise orientation and position of rotary axes relative to linear axes.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with a spherical holder that aligns multiple length measuring systems towards a common center point, allowing for precise measurement and adjustment, and featuring a spherical cap for pivoting to maintain orientation and prevent collisions, ensuring high rigidity and ease of production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If length measuring probes are arranged on plate-shaped sections with planes perpendicular to measuring direction, then maneuverability is improved, but structural rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with a spherical zone instead of flat plate-shaped sections. This curved surface allows the length measuring systems to be arranged radially outward from the center point, providing both structural rigidity through the spherical geometry and maneuverability through the radial arrangement of measuring probes.
2Strength
If holder is designed with truncated cone shape, then structural rigidity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical zone geometry, while curved, can be manufactured as a single turned piece using conventional machining processes. This eliminates the need for complex multi-part assemblies required by truncated cone designs, achieving both rigidity and ease of manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If holder is made pivotable via joint connection, then flexibility is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical cap design allows the holder to be pivoted in a counterbearing about the center point of the spherical shape. The spherical geometry ensures that during pivoting, the center point remains fixed and the orientation of length measuring systems toward the center is maintained, preventing collision and ensuring measurement accuracy throughout the pivoting range.
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 solution enables high accuracy in measuring spatial displacements, allows for flexible use, and facilitates the derivation of compensation data to enhance machining precision by maintaining precise orientation and position of length measuring systems, thus improving the geometric, kinematic, static, and dynamic properties of machines.
Implementation Method 1
The holder has a spherical shape that forms a spherical zone, with the multiple length measuring systems for measuring being aligned in the direction of the center point of the spherical shape of the holder
Implementation Method 2
The holder has a spherical shape that forms a spherical cap with which it can be pivoted in a counter bearing about the center point of the spherical shape
Implementation Method 3
The stylus is advantageously biased by springs in the direction of the center point of the spherical shape of the holder
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a holder (1) at which length measuring systems (2-4) are arranged to measure a distance to a measuring body (5) in different spatial directions. The holder has a spherical shape that forms a spherical zone (14). The measuring systems are aligned in a direction of a midpoint (M) of the spherical shape of the holder and arranged in a region of the spherical zone at the holder. The spherical zone and a spherical cap form a common spherical segment. Probe pins (22, 32, 42) are biased on springs in a direction of the midpoint.