CMM with modular functionality
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.
1. A coordinate measuring device configured to measure and output one or more geometric positions on an object by at least one of contacting a point on the object or positioning the coordinate measuring device so as to view a point on the object, the coordinate measuring device comprising:
an internal battery; and
a single docking portion configured to form a connection with a modular feature pack that can provide an auxiliary battery power to the coordinate measuring device,
wherein the coordinate measuring device is configured to measure and output the one or more geometric positions with or without a modular feature pack attached.
2. The coordinate measuring device of claim 1 , wherein the coordinate measuring device is configured to receive commands through the single docking portion.
3. The coordinate measuring device of claim 1 , wherein the docking portion comprises a data transfer connection.
4. The coordinate measuring device of claim 1 , wherein the docking portion comprises a mechanical connection.
5. The coordinate measuring device of claim 1 , wherein the docking portion comprises a thermal connection.
6. The coordinate measuring device of claim 5 , wherein the docking portion connects to electronics in the coordinate measuring device by thermally conductive members, allowing substantial heat transfer between the coordinate measuring device and the feature pack.
7. The coordinate measuring device of claim 1 , wherein the additional and distinct features or functionalities is processing of data signals.
8. The coordinate measuring device of claim 1 , wherein the additional and distinct features or functionalities are temperature controls.
9. The coordinate measuring device of claim 1 , wherein the additional and distinct features or functionalities is improved data processing.
10. The coordinate measuring device of claim 1 , wherein the coordinate measuring device is an articulated arm coordinate measurement machine.
11. A coordinate measuring device system comprising:
a coordinate measuring device configured to measure and output one or more geometric positions on an object by at least one of contacting a point on the object or positioning the coordinate measuring device so as to view a point on the object, the coordinate measuring device comprising a docking portion and an internal battery; and
two or more feature packs configured to electronically connect to the coordinate measuring device via the same docking portion and provide auxiliary battery power to the coordinate measuring device.
12. The coordinate measuring device system of claim 11 , further comprising at least one feature pack that comprises a tilt sensor.
13. The coordinate measuring device system of claim 11 , further comprising at least one feature pack that comprises a data storage device.
14. The coordinate measuring device system of claim 13 , further comprising at least one feature pack that comprises instructions for coordinate measuring device operation.
15. The coordinate measuring device system of claim 11 , further comprising at least one feature pack that comprises a wireless capability for data transfer.
16. The coordinate measuring device system of claim 11 , further comprising at least one feature pack that includes a heat sink or cooling fan.
17. The coordinate measuring device system of claim 11 , wherein the coordinate measuring device is an articulated arm coordinate measuring machine.
18. A method for operating a coordinate measuring device with no direct power connection, the method comprising:
measuring one or more first coordinates with the coordinate measuring device;
attaching a first feature pack to the coordinate measuring device, the feature pack providing power to the coordinate measuring device, and the first feature pack not having been attached during measurement of the first coordinates;
measuring one or more second coordinates with the coordinate measuring device while the feature pack is attached to the coordinate measuring device.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the first feature pack powers the coordinate measuring device.
20. The method of claim 18 , further comprising the steps of:
removing the first feature pack after measuring the second coordinates;
attaching a second feature pack to the coordinate measuring device, the second feature pack providing power to the coordinate measuring device, and the second feature pack not having been attached during measurement of the first or second coordinates; and
measuring one or more second coordinates with the coordinate measuring device while the second feature pack is attached to the coordinate measuring device.