Tactile Probe Calibration Using Optical Deflection Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration devices for tactile probes in machine tools are complex, unreliable, and costly due to the need for precise manufacturing and positioning of reference objects, and are limited in applicability, especially when measuring deep boreholes or areas outside the optical sensor's field of view.
Innovation Solution
A calibration device that uses a detector, such as a camera or laser-based tool measuring device, to determine the exact position of the probe element without requiring a high-precision reference surface or precise positioning, allowing for simpler and more cost-effective calibration by measuring the probe deflection based on the position detection of the probe element alone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high-precision reference surface and precise positioning are used for calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems and high-precision reference surfaces with an optical detection system. The detector (camera or laser measuring device) optically captures the probe element position and uses image processing to calculate deflection, eliminating the need for mechanical precision stages and specialized reference surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the probe element and its position relative to the reference surface. By processing this optical information through image analysis, the system determines probe deflection without requiring direct mechanical measurement or high-precision physical reference objects.
2Reliability
If an optical sensor is used to detect probe element position, then measurement reliability is improved, but applicability deteriorates when measuring deep boreholes or areas outside field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference surface as an intermediary element that provides a stable optical reference frame. The reference surface with its known pattern allows the detector to establish coordinate systems and calculate probe position even in challenging measurement scenarios, extending applicability while maintaining reliability.
3Measurement precision
If a glass cube with reference pattern and pneumatic rod are used for calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, precision-manufactured glass cubes with simpler, more affordable reference surfaces. The reference surface can be a flat plate with printed or attached patterns that are easier and cheaper to manufacture, while still providing sufficient optical reference information for accurate calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential function of the glass cube (providing an optical reference pattern) and separates it from the complex pneumatic rod mechanism. This allows the reference surface to be a simple, static component rather than a complex assembled device.
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 provides a more reliable, user-friendly, and cost-effective method for calibrating tactile probes, eliminating the need for complex reference objects and allowing for accurate position determination without precise alignment, thereby enhancing the applicability and precision of tactile probe measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the detector (5) has a field of view (9) for detecting the touch surface (4) of the touch element (3)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a calibration device (1) and a coordinate measuring system for measuring the signal-triggering probe deflection ITr of tactile probes (2). The calibration device (1) comprises a detector (5), preferably a camera or a laser measuring device, with a field of view (9) for detecting the probe surface (4) of the probe element (3), a reference element (7) with a reference surface (8), and a computing unit (6). According to the invention, the reference surface (8) of the reference element (7) is arranged in such a way as to the field of view (9) of the detector (5) that, in the event of a signal-triggering contact of the tactile surface (4) of the tactile element (3) with the reference surface (8), the tactile surface (4) or parts of the tactile surface (4) are in the field of view (9) of the detector (5) and wherein the detector (5) together with the computing unit (6) can calculate the exact position of the tactile element (3) from the detected part of the tactile surface (4).