CMM with modular functionality

• US 9,360,290 B2
• Filed: 03/18/2014
• Issued: 06/07/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hexagon Technology Center GmbH (Hexagon AB)
• Original Assignee: Hexagon Metrology AB (Hexagon AB)
• Inventors: Tait, Hogar
• Primary Examiner(s): FULTON, CHRISTOPHER W
• Application Number:
  US14/218,538
• Publication Number:
  US 20140230261A1
• Time in Patent Office: 812 Days
• Field of Search: 335/03
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 13/02 Hand grip control means handles or pedals for crane control B66C13/56; for measuring the force applied to control members G01L5/22; hand-held casings for switching devices, e.g. joy-sticks H01H9/0214
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 19/00 Accessories fitted to manipulators, e.g. for monitoring, for viewing; Safety devices combined with or specially adapted for use in connection with manipulators safety-devices in general F16P; protection against radiation in general G21F
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 9/1692 Calibration of manipulator
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 21/04 by measuring coordinates of points
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 5/008 using coordinate measuring machines
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 7/008 using coordinate measuring machines
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/39019 Calibration by cmm coordinate measuring machine over a certain volume
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20305 Robotic arm

Abstract

An articulated arm CMM system comprises an articulated arm comprising a plurality of articulated arm members, a measuring probe at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end, the base comprising a docking portion. The articulated arm CMM system also includes a plurality of feature packs configured to electronically connect to the articulated arm via the docking portions and provide additional electronic functionality.

Claims

1. A feature pack for an articulated arm portable coordinate measuring machine system comprising a modular design with a shape substantially matching the shape of a docking portion of the portable coordinate measuring machine system, the feature pack comprising:

at least one electronic device configured to provide at least one additional feature or functionality to the coordinate measuring machine system; and

at least one thermal component.

2. The feature pack of claim 1, the feature pack further having a shape such that the feature pack does not substantially increase the size of the coordinate measuring machine system.

3. The feature pack of claim 1, wherein the feature pack is not necessary for the coordinate measuring machine system to be operated to measure and output a position of an end of the articulated arm.

4. The feature pack of claim 1, wherein the feature pack is configured to provide commands to the coordinate measuring machine system.

5. The feature pack of claim 1, wherein the feature pack is configured to combine data from the articulated arm and a laser scanner operatively connected to the articulated arm.

6. The feature pack of claim 1, wherein said feature or functionality is data storage.

7. The feature pack of claim 1, wherein said feature or functionality is wireless data transfer capability.

8. The feature pack of claim 1, wherein said feature or functionality is improved data processing.

9. The feature pack of claim 1, wherein said feature or functionality is power transmission.

10. The feature pack of claim 1, wherein the thermal component comprises a cooling fan.

11. The feature pack of claim 1, wherein the thermal component comprises a heat sink.

12. The feature pack of claim 1, wherein the feature pack is configured to provide instructions to a motorized arm.

13. An articulated arm CMM system comprising:

a motorized articulated arm comprising a plurality of articulated arm members, a scanner at a distal end, a base at a proximal end, and a docking portion; and

the feature pack of claim 1.

14. A feature pack for an articulated arm portable coordinate measuring machine system comprising a modular design with a shape substantially matching the shape of a docking portion of the portable coordinate measuring machine system, the feature pack comprising:

at least one electronic device configured to provide instructions and power transmission to the arm.

15. The feature pack of claim 14, wherein the arm is a motorized arm.

16. The feature pack of claim 14, the feature pack further having a shape such that the feature pack does not substantially increase the size of the coordinate measuring machine system.

17. The feature pack of claim 14, wherein the feature pack is not necessary for the coordinate measuring machine system to be operated to measure and output a position of an end of the articulated arm.

18. The feature pack of claim 14, wherein the feature pack is configured to combine data from the articulated arm and a laser scanner operatively connected to the articulated arm.

19. The feature pack of claim 14, wherein the feature pack provides data storage.

20. The feature pack of claim 14, wherein the feature pack provides wireless data transfer capability.

21. The feature pack of claim 14, wherein the feature pack provides improved data processing.

22. The feature pack of claim 14, wherein the feature pack comprises a thermal component.

23. The feature pack of claim 22, wherein the thermal component comprises a cooling fan.

24. The feature pack of claim 22, wherein the thermal component comprises a heat sink.

25. An articulated arm CMM system comprising:

a motorized articulated arm comprising a plurality of articulated arm members, a scanner at a distal end, a base at a proximal end, and a docking portion; and

the feature pack of claim 14.