Wearable Coordinate Measurement Machine Harness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable coordinate measuring machines (PCMMs) are limited by their rigidity and portability, as they often require stable and rigid mounting, which hinders their ability to be used in diverse and flexible measurement scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An ultra-portable articulated arm coordinate measurement machine (UPCMM) is designed with a harness that supports the weight of its components, allowing it to be mounted on a human operator, enabling flexible positioning and measurement of objects without the need for a fixed base, and incorporating multiple axes of movement and adjustable transfer members for enhanced mobility and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the coordinate measurement machine is rigidly mounted on a stable surface using fasteners or suction devices, then measurement stability and accuracy are improved, but portability and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical mounting system (fasteners, suction devices) with an optical tracking system. The harness includes trackable features that are detected by an external tracking system, allowing the measurement machine to determine its position and orientation optically rather than through mechanical attachment. This substitution enables the system to maintain measurement accuracy while achieving full portability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The harness acts as an intermediary between the measurement machine and the user's body. It provides a stable reference frame through trackable features while being flexible enough to move with the user's movements. The harness mediates between the need for stable measurement references and the need for portability, allowing the system to function accurately while being worn by a user.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coordinate measurement machine is made portable and movable, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but measurement stability and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical stabilization methods (rigid mounting) with optical tracking and computational methods. The system uses multiple cameras to track the harness position and combines this with encoder data from the articulated arm to maintain measurement precision even when the system is in motion. This allows the machine to be portable while maintaining stability through software-based compensation rather than mechanical rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives feedback from the tracking cameras and encoders to monitor the position and orientation of the harness and articulated arm. This real-time feedback is used to compensate for movements and maintain measurement accuracy. The dynamic feedback loop allows the system to adapt to user movements while preserving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If the measurement machine uses a fixed base with multiple axes of movement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed-base measurement system into a dynamic, wearable system. The articulated arm can move through multiple axes while the harness moves with the user's body. The system maintains accuracy through dynamic tracking and computational compensation rather than relying on a fixed mechanical base. This dynamic approach provides both the desired portability and measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The harness serves multiple functions: it supports the articulated arm, provides tracking references for position determination, and adapts to different user body types. The system combines the functions of a fixed base, support structure, and positioning reference into a single wearable unit, achieving multi-functionality that maintains accuracy while improving portability and ease of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
In some embodiments, an articulated arm coordinate measurement machine can include a plurality of transfer members and a plurality of articulation members connecting the plurality of transfer members to each other to measure an angle between the transfer members. The machine can additionally include at least one coordinate acquisition member positioned at an end of the articulated arm. Further, the machine can include a harness connected to at least one of the group consisting of the transfer members and the articulation members to support at least a portion of the weight of the transfer members and the articulation members. The harness can also be configured to mount, to a human.