Wireless Probe Programming via Infrared Transceivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for programming contact detecting probes in machine tools face challenges such as increased complexity, battery consumption, and accessibility issues due to mechanical microswitches and the need for manual programming, especially when the base unit is located within a wet and dirty working area.
Innovation Solution
A system with a base unit featuring integrated contactless infrared transceivers and a remote controller for wireless programming, allowing for parameter modification without mechanical parts, ensuring reliable operation and easy access, even in challenging environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mechanical microswitches are used for programming the probe and base unit, then the system can be programmed during assembly, but the device complexity increases and battery consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical microswitches with contactless infrared transceivers for programming. The remote controller uses an infrared transmitter to send commands wirelessly to the base unit, which then communicates with the probe via radio frequency. This eliminates all mechanical moving parts in the programming interface, reducing device complexity and battery consumption while maintaining programming capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an infrared remote controller as an intermediary device for programming. Instead of direct mechanical contact or complex onboard controls in the probe, the operator uses a simple remote controller that communicates wirelessly with the base unit, which acts as an intermediary to program both the base unit and probe parameters.
2Reliability
If the base unit is located within the wet and dirty working area for reliable wireless connection, then transmission reliability improves, but accessibility for manual programming deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual programming operations with contactless infrared control. The remote controller can be operated from a distance without requiring physical access to the base unit, eliminating the need for the operator to reach into wet and dirty areas while maintaining programming functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a remote interface that copies the programming functionality to a portable device. The remote controller contains a simplified interface that replicates the programming capabilities, allowing the operator to program the system from a convenient location rather than needing direct access to the base unit controls.
3Ease of operation
If push buttons and displays are integrated in the probe for programming, then programming is possible, but the probe becomes more complex and battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the programming interface from the probe entirely. Instead of integrating push buttons and displays in the probe, all programming controls are moved to the base unit and remote controller. The probe receives programming commands wirelessly and executes them without requiring local controls, eliminating the energy consumption associated with probe-based displays and buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a receiver for detecting probe signals, a transmitter for sending control signals to the probe, and a programming controller for setting parameters. By consolidating these functions in the base unit rather than distributing them to the probe, the patent reduces the probe's complexity and power requirements.
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
Enables simple and reliable modification of probe and base unit parameters, maintaining system performance over time and reducing operational complexity and costs, while allowing programming from a distance, even when the base unit is hard to reach.
Implementation Method 1
at least one infrared transmitter (25) and one infrared receiver (27) for contactless control and/or programming operations
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for checking dimensions of mechanical component parts includes a checking probe (4) which can be programmed from a base unit (11) by means of a wireless radio-frequency link. An interface unit (34) connected to or integrated in the base unit includes control devices with at least an infrared receiver (26, 27) causing the generation of a control signal once coded signals are received.The coded signals can be transmitted by a remote controller (37) - which can be of a universal or dedicated type - or by an emitter (24, 25) adjacent to the receiver. In this second case the transmitted coded signal is adapted to be reflected, for example by an operator's finger, and the pair of emitter and receiver forms an optical switch.