Spinning Probing Medium Scanning Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanning methods face limitations in achieving high throughput, precision, and resolution due to tradeoffs between motion speed, inertia, and accuracy, particularly in scanning large or complex objects, and are often restricted by the need for fast spinning or large, costly equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a probing medium spun about an axis perpendicular to the object surface, combined with controlled relative motion of the object, allowing for high-speed spinning and efficient scanning of arbitrary objects without fast object motion, enabling high throughput, precision, and resolution while minimizing equipment size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional scanning methods use high motion speed to improve throughput, then productivity increases, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inertia forces shifting positions of moving components
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the probing medium at high speed to achieve high throughput, the patent inverts the approach by spinning the probing medium in place at high rotational speed while keeping the overall system stationary or moving slowly. This allows high scanning throughput through rapid angular motion without the inertia problems of linear high-speed translation, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional linear scanning motion to rotational scanning motion, changing the dimension of motion from translational to rotational. The probing medium spins about an axis perpendicular to the object surface, creating circular scanning paths. This dimensional change allows high-speed operation in the rotational domain without compromising positional accuracy in the translational domain, resolving the throughput-precision contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If conventional scanning methods use narrow focused beams to improve resolution, then measurement precision increases, but device complexity increases due to requirements for precise positioning systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a rotational spinning mechanism. Instead of using precision linear stages and actuators to move the probing medium along scanning paths, the system uses rotational motion about a fixed axis. This substitution simplifies the mechanical system while maintaining the ability to achieve high-resolution scanning through controlled rotation, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional scanning methods scan large objects to improve adaptability, then versatility increases, but loss of time increases due to extended scanning paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic rotational motion of the probing medium to scan large objects. By spinning the probing medium in continuous periodic cycles about an axis perpendicular to the object surface, the system can cover large areas efficiently. The periodic rotation allows the probing medium to repeatedly sweep across the object surface, maintaining high scanning speed while achieving comprehensive coverage of large objects, thus improving versatility without increasing scanning time.
Data Source
AI summary
An efficient method of scanning is provided that may be used for treatment, analysis, inspection and testing physical objects and spaces. High precision, resolution and throughput of scanning are achieved by employing a dual motion of probing devices and scanned objects. A probing device spins with high speed about an axis of spinning directed towards a scanned object. Concurrently, the spinning axis is set in a relatively slow motion with respect to the scanned object. Both the spinning of the probing and the motion of the spin axis are implemented in a controlled and predetermined way to achieve objectives of scanning. Accordingly, arbitrary large and shaped objects may be efficiently scanned with high precision and throughput.