Steerable Retroreflector Optical Endpoint Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machine tooling systems face challenges in maintaining constant optical contact between retroreflective systems and laser beams during movement, leading to potential loss of contact due to exceeding axis velocities, requiring manual operator intervention which increases errors and prolongs measurement times.
Innovation Solution
A machine system with a steerable retroreflective system and a controller that adjusts the feedrate of the machine to ensure constant optical contact by limiting the feedrate based on the required movements of the retroreflector's positioners, using equations to determine optimal feedrates and segmenting movements to maintain contact with the laser beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the machine moves at high speed, then productivity is improved, but the retroreflector may lose contact with the laser beam
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of the optimal feedrate path before the calibration phase by determining the position of the retroreflector at start-point and end-point of each segment, calculating required positioner movements, and establishing feedrate limits to prevent loss of optical contact
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the machine feedrate based on real-time calculations of retroreflector position and positioner velocity requirements, allowing the feedrate to vary along different segments of the movement path to maintain optical contact while maximizing productivity
2Reliability
If manual operator intervention is used to adjust feedrate, then optical contact can be maintained, but labor requirements and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors retroreflector position, calculates positioner velocity requirements, determines optimal feedrate limits, and adjusts machine feedrate without operator intervention, making the system self-regulating to maintain optical contact
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from retroreflector position data and positioner status to continuously monitor and adjust feedrate, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optical contact while minimizing measurement time
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
This solution eliminates the need for manual operator intervention, reduces errors, decreases labor requirements, and shortens machine tool measurement times by ensuring continuous optical contact and precise positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a steerable retroreflective system may be used to increase the angle of acceptance of the retroreflector so that the retroreflector remains in constant contact with the laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a machine system having optical endpoint control and associated method for maintaining having is provided constant optical contact. Specifically, the machine system comprises a machine capable of movement in at least one direction. The machine is configured such that, during a calibration phase, a steerable retroreflective system is mounted upon the machine for movement therewith. A controller is configured to control the movement of the machine in at least one direction. The machine system may be configured to automatically adjust the feedrate of the machine, upon determining that a velocity required for the positioner to move the retroreflector to a desired position exceeds a certain segment feedrate threshold, such that an incident beam of light can maintain constant contact with the retroreflector throughout movement of the machine from the first position to the second position.