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 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 .