CMM with modular functionality
AssigneeHexagon Metrology, Inc.
InventorHogar Tait
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims18
An articulated arm CMM comprising:
- an articulated arm comprising a plurality of articulated arm members, a measuring probe at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end;
- and
- a docking portion on the base, the docking portion configured to form a connection with a modular feature pack,
- wherein the docking portion comprises a thermal connection and connects to electronics in the arm by thermally conductive members, allowing substantial heat transfer between the arm and the feature pack.
An articulated arm CMM system comprising:
- 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;
- and
- two or more feature packs configured to electronically connect to the articulated arm via the same docking portion and wherein a first feature pack provides a first additional electronic feature or functionality to the articulated arm and a second feature pack provides a second additional electronic feature or functionality distinct from the first additional electronic functionality to the articulated arm.
An articulated arm CMM system comprising:
- 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;
- and
- a plurality of feature packs configured to electronically connect to the articulated arm via the docking portion and provide additional electronic functionality,
- wherein at least one feature pack includes a heat sink or cooling fan.
A feature pack for an articulated arm portable CMM system comprising a modular design with a shape substantially matching the shape of the base of the portable CMM, the feature pack further comprising a heat sink or cooling fan.
A method of providing modular functionality to an articulated arm CMM comprising:
- attaching a first feature pack to an articulated arm CMM at a docking portion to provide a first additional feature or functionality to the articulated arm CMM;
- measuring one or more coordinates with the articulated arm CMM and utilizing the first additional feature or functionality;
- replacing the first feature pack with a second feature pack at the docking portion to provide a second additional feature or functionality to the articulated arm CMM;
- and
- measuring one or more coordinates with the articulated arm CMM and utilizing the second additional feature or functionality.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.