Thermal Isolation Plate for Laser Tracker Warm-Up Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser trackers require a lengthy warm-up time when mounted on tools at lower temperatures, leading to increased manufacturing delays and potential rework due to temperature gradients causing measurement drift.
Innovation Solution
A thermal isolation device comprising a first plate, a second plate, and an isolation plate, secured together with channels and insulating bushings, reduces heat transfer between the laser tracker and the object, allowing for faster stabilization and accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the laser tracker is placed on a tool at lower temperature, then the laser tracker can be mounted and used for measurements, but the temperature gradient causes heat transfer from the laser tracker to the tool, resulting in measurement drift and requiring lengthy warm-up time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal isolation plate as an intermediary component between the laser tracker and the tool. This isolation plate thermally isolates the laser tracker from the tool, preventing heat transfer while still allowing mechanical mounting. The intermediary layer blocks the harmful thermal pathway while maintaining the functional connection needed for operation.
2Measurement precision
If the laser tracker is allowed to warm up for extended period, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but manufacturing time is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal isolation plate serves as a mediator that eliminates the need for lengthy warm-up periods. By blocking heat transfer pathways, it maintains stable operating temperatures in the laser tracker components, enabling accurate measurements to be taken immediately after mounting without requiring 20-36 hours of warm-up time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the laser tracker operates on a tool with temperature gradient, then the laser tracker can function, but thermal equilibrium takes 20 to 36 hours causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal isolation plate acts as a mediator that prevents thermal equilibrium from being established between the laser tracker and the tool. By blocking heat transfer, it maintains the laser tracker at its operating temperature independently of the tool's temperature, eliminating the 20-36 hour warm-up period required for thermal equilibrium.
4Loss of time
If thermal isolation is implemented, then warm-up time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a mounting plate for mechanical attachment, an isolation plate for thermal isolation, and insulating bushings for additional thermal blocking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall simplicity. The modular design makes the system easier to understand, assemble, and maintain despite the added thermal isolation functionality.
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 thermal isolation device significantly reduces the warm-up time of laser trackers from 20 to 36 hours to around 20 minutes, minimizing measurement errors and manufacturing delays.
Implementation Method 1
The insulating plate may be capable of thermally isolating the tool from the object
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of insulating bushings may insulate the plurality of fasteners from the first plate
Data Source
AI summary
In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a first plate, a second plate, and an isolation plate. The first plate may be capable of receiving a mounting member for a tool requiring an operating temperature that remains substantially constant for operation of the tool. The second plate may be capable of being secured to an object. The isolation plate may be located between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate, the second plate, and the isolation plate may be secured to each other. The insulating plate may be capable of thermally isolating the tool from the object.