Metrology instrument arm system
AssigneeGiddings & Lewis, Inc.
InventorsPaul C. Sheldon, Edward E. Kirkham, Lyle D. Ostby, Bruce P. Konkel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates generally to a metrology framework for determining the position of a first object, such as an operator, relative to a second object when the first object is moved relative to the second object. The metrology framework comprises a plurality of extensible instrument arms that are operatively connected in proximity to the first object and the second object. A sensor is in communication with each extensible instrument arm to provide a signal indicative of the extension of the instrument arm. The combination of the signals can be used to determine the position of the first object relative to the second object in all six degrees of freedom.
Claims23
A metrology framework for use with a pair of machine structures connected by an actuator mechanism, the metrology framework being designed to determine the position of a first object attached to one machine structure relative to a second object attached to the other machine structure when the machine structures are moved relative to each other, comprising:
- at least three extensible instrument arms, each instrument arm being connected to both of the machine structures;
- a sensor in communication with each instrument arm to provide a signal indicative of the extension of the instrument arm, wherein the combination of signals is representative of the position of the first object relative to the second object.
A metrology framework for use with a pair of machine structures connected by an actuator mechanism, the metrology framework being designed to determine the position of a first object attached to one machine structure relative to a second object attached to the other machine structure when the machine structures are moved relative to each other, comprising:
- an array of extensible instrument arms, each instrument arm being operatively connected between the first object and the second object;
- a sensor in communication with each instrument arm to provide a signal indicative of the extension of the instrument arm, wherein the combination of signals is representative of the position of the first object relative to the second object,
- wherein there are at least six instrument arms connected to the pair of machine structures in proximity to the first object and the second object.
A metrology framework for use with a pair of machine structures connected by an actuator mechanism, the metrology framework being designed to determine the position of a first object attached to one machine structure relative to a second object attached to the other machine structure when the machine structures are moved relative to each other, comprising:
- an array of extensible instrument arms, each instrument arm being operatively connected between the first object and the second object;
- a sensor in communication with each instrument arm to provide a signal indicative of the extension of the instrument arm, wherein the combination of signals is representative of the position of the first object relative to the second object,
- wherein there are at least six instrument arms connected to the first object and the second object.
A metrology framework for use with a pair of machine structures connected by an actuator mechanism, the metrology framework being designed to determine the position of a first object attached to one machine structure relative to a second object attached to the other machine structure when the machine structures are moved relative to each other, comprising:
- an array of extensible instrument arms, each instrument arm being operatively connected between the first object and the second object;
- a sensor in communication with each instrument arm to provide a signal indicative of the extension of the instrument arm, wherein the combination of signals is representative of the position of the first object relative to the second object,
- wherein the array of instrument arms includes pairs of crossed instrument arms.
A combined machine tool and metrology framework system for determining the relative location of a workpiece mounted to a first machine tool structure and a tool mounted to a separately movable second machine tool structure, comprising:
- a workpiece support member connected to the first machine tool structure and configured to hold the workpiece;
- a tool support member connected to the second machine tool structure and configured to hold the tool;
- an actuator mechanism acting between the first machine tool structure and the second machine tool structure to move the second machine tool structure with respect to the first machine tool structure;
- a plurality of extensible instrument arms operatively connected between the workpiece support member and the tool support member to indicate the movement of the tool relative to the workpiece along at least three axes, wherein the instrument arms are substantially structurally isolated from forces acting against at least one of the first machine tool structure and the second machine tool structure.
A combined machine tool and metrology framework system for determining the relative location of a workpiece mounted to a first machine tool structure and a tool mounted to a separately movable second machine tool structure, comprising:
- a workpiece support member connected to the first machine tool structure and Configured to hold the workpiece;
- a tool support member connected to the second machine tool structure and configured to hold the tool;
- an actuator mechanism acting between the first machine tool structure and the second machine tool structure to move the second machine tool Structure with respect to the first machine tool structure;
- a plurality of extensible instrument arms operatively connected between the workpiece support member and the tool support member to indicate the position of the tool relative to the workpiece, wherein the instrument arms are substantially structurally isolated from forces acting against both the first machine tool structure and the second machine tool structure;
- and
- a mounting structure rigidly connected to one of the workpiece support member and the tool support member, wherein at least one instrument arm is connected to the mounting structure, and there are at least six instrument arms.
A machine tool and metrology framework system, comprising:
- a base platform;
- a tool platform;
- at least six extensible legs connected between the base platform and the tool platform to move the tool platform with respect to the base platform;
- a workpiece support rigidly connected to the base platform and configured to rigidly hold a workpiece;
- a tool support rigidly connected to the tool platform and configured to hold a tool;
- a first metrology framework mounting structure rigidly connected in proximity to the workpiece support and substantially isolated from the effects of forces acting against the base platform;
- a second metrology framework mounting structure rigidly connected in proximity to the tool support and substantially isolated from the effects of forces acting against the tool platform;
- and
- a plurality of extensible instrument arms connected between the first and the second metrology framework structures to indicate the position of the tool relative to the workpiece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.