Tool Measuring Head Sliding on Reference Plate for Precise Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool measurement and adjustment devices are limited by the high weight and cost of mechanical guides, which affect measurement accuracy and stability, and there is a need to reduce weight and cost while maintaining or improving detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The measuring head is mounted to slide on a reference plate, eliminating the need for mechanical guides, and is guided either by hand or with a drive, using a non-contact air cushion and optical markings for precise position determination, allowing for increased accuracy and reduced assembly costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical guides or suspensions (such as multi-membered arms or X-Y rail systems) are used to support the measuring head, then the measuring head position can be determined, but the weight and costs of the device increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical guides and suspensions with an optical measurement system. The measuring head position is determined optically by imaging markings on a reference plate rather than through mechanical transducers on a heavy carriage. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy mechanical support structures while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the mechanical support structure. Instead of determining position through the mechanical carriage system, the position is determined separately through optical imaging of reference markings, allowing the mechanical support to be minimized or eliminated.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical guides or suspensions are used to support the measuring head, then the measuring head position can be determined, but the device costs increase due to high weight requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical guides and precision carriages with a simpler optical system. The measuring head position is determined by imaging reference markings on a plate rather than through complex mechanical transducers, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple reference plate with markings instead of expensive, precision-machined mechanical guides. The reference plate can be a simpler, less expensive component compared to precision mechanical structures, reducing overall device cost.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the measuring head is mounted on a heavy carriage with mechanical guides, then stable measurement can be achieved, but the measurement accuracy is limited by guide stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical guide system that limits measurement accuracy through guide stability issues. Instead, the measuring head position is determined optically by imaging reference markings, removing the source of mechanical error while the air cushion provides sufficient physical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical field as an intermediary between the measuring head and the reference plate. The optical imaging system mediates the position determination process, allowing accurate measurement without direct mechanical contact or rigid mechanical guides that introduce stability errors.
4Reliability
If complex suspension systems are used to support the measuring head, then measurement stability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stability function from complex suspension systems. Instead of using multiple mechanical components to provide stability, the system relies on the inherent stability of the air cushion support combined with optical reference markings, dramatically simplifying the device structure while maintaining measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical suspension systems with a simple air cushion support combined with optical measurement. The air cushion provides sufficient mechanical stability without the complexity of multi-membered arms or rail systems, while optical imaging ensures measurement accuracy.
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 reduces the weight and cost of the device while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy, enabling precise position detection of the measuring head without the need for complex suspension systems, and allows for easy movement and orientation of the measuring head over the reference plate.
Implementation Method 1
The measuring head is mounted sliding on a surface of the reference plate... The sliding bearing of the measuring head on the surface of the reference plate is advantageously non-contact... According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the measuring head is mounted on an air cushion on the reference plate.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for measuring and/or adjusting a tool, comprising a reference plate lying on a reference plane, a first camera to be directed to the tool, said camera being supported by a measuring head that is movable relative to the tool and parallel to the reference plane, and a position sensor attached on or in the measuring head for determining the position of the measuring head in relation to the reference plate. According to the invention, the measuring head is mounted in a sliding manner on a surface of the reference plate.