Unified Optical Evaluation Unit for Tactile and Surface Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current scanning systems for measuring surface shape, diameter, and roughness require separate evaluation units for tactile and optical detection, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A scanning system utilizing a single optical evaluation unit to simultaneously or alternately perform tactile and optical measurements by dividing the measuring beam into two partial beams, one for the tactile scanning system and the other for optical detection, allowing for continuous or alternating measurement of surface deflection and shape/roughness using a common optical evaluation unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate evaluation units are used for tactile and optical detection, then measurement functionality is comprehensive, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the evaluation functions for tactile probe arm deflection detection and optical surface detection into a single common optical evaluation unit. This evaluation unit receives optical signals from both the tactile scanning system (via the probe arm) and the optical scanning system, processes them through a unified evaluation algorithm, and outputs measurement results. This merging reduces the number of separate evaluation units from two to one, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining comprehensive measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The common optical evaluation unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it evaluates the optical signals from the tactile scanning system to detect probe arm deflection, and simultaneously evaluates optical signals from the optical scanning system to detect surface properties. This multi-functional design allows a single evaluation unit to replace what would traditionally require two separate units, reducing overall system complexity while preserving full measurement adaptability.
2Device complexity
If a single optical evaluation unit is used for both tactile and optical detection, then costs and complexity are reduced, but measurement accuracy must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical beam path into distinct channels: one channel carries optical signals from the tactile scanning system (probe arm) and another channel carries optical signals from the optical scanning system (surface). The common optical evaluation unit processes these segmented beams separately through dedicated evaluation algorithms for each measurement type, ensuring that the integration of functions does not compromise measurement precision. The segmentation allows independent optimization of evaluation parameters for each measurement mode while using a single physical evaluation unit.
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 approach reduces costs and simplifies the structure while achieving high accuracy in surface detection, enabling precise determination of surface shape and roughness with the option to switch between tactile and optical measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a measuring beam of the optical evaluation unit is divided into two partial beams by a beam splitter or an optical switch
Implementation Method 2
a first partial beam is guided to the tactile scanning system and there to a reflector mechanically coupled to the scanning arm
Implementation Method 3
a second partial beam is guided via the optical scanning system to the surface
Implementation Method 4
with an evaluation device in which the shape or the distance of the rough surface can be determined on the basis of a phase difference of the electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
The scanning system comprises a tactile sensing system (20) which is provided with an associated sensing arm (25) for contacting detection of the shape. The deflection of the sensing arm of the tactile scanning system, is detected. The diameter or the roughness of the surface is measured by an optical scanning system (30), where an optical measuring system (1) is provided with an optical evaluation unit (10). An independent claim is also included for a method for detecting the shape.