Development and Experimental Research of Different Mechanical Designs of an Optical Linear Encoder’s Reading Head

Abstract

Optical linear encoders are widely used in manufacturing. They are accurate and have a relatively high resolution and good repeatability. However, there are a lot of side effects, which have an inevitable impact on the performance of an encoder. In general, the majority of these effects could be minimized by the appropriate design of an encoder’s reading head. This paper discusses the working principle of and commonly occurring errors in optical linear encoders. Three different mechanical designs are developed and implemented in the experimental reading head of the linear encoder in order to evaluate how mechanical construction influences the displacement measurement accuracy and total performance of the encoder.

Performance Analysis of an Experimental Linear Encoder’s Reading Head under Different Mounting and Dynamic Conditions

“…The main idea of this experimental research was to test different mechanical designs of a linear encoder's reading head and analyze its performance under different mounting and dynamic conditions. For this purpose, the developed experimental reading head [4] was used. In order to maintain the same conditions for every test, all three mechanical designs were integrated into a single reading head with the possibility of easily changing necessary parts and rearranging the construction.…”

“…Discussed and developed in our previous paper [4], the experimental reading head for a Moiré effect-based optical linear encoder is used for the experimental analysis of the influence of different reading head designs on an encoder's performance under various mounting inaccuracies and external mechanical vibrations.…”

“…In this paper, a brief review of the main parameters is presented, and the experimental analysis of an encoder's performance under different mounting and dynamic conditions is accomplished. The experimental reading head developed in previous work [4] is used to analyze the behavior of different mechanical reading head designs recently used in real encoders.…”

Influence of the Compliance of a Technological System on the Machining Accuracy of Low-Stiffness Shafts in the Grinding Process

“…The desire to reduce the amount of materials used in the construction of mechanisms and machines, as well as the functional uses of some parts, makes it necessary to produce precise low-stiffness parts [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Rotationally symmetrical parts (shafts, turbine rotors, pumps, lead screws, etc.)…”

Technological Methods for Controlling the Elastic-Deformable State in Turning and Grinding Shafts of Low Stiffness

“…The analysis of the literature shows that about half of all machine parts are rotating parts: shafts, discs, sleeves, cylinders, etc. [ 1 , 2 ]. It is estimated that 12% of all the parts used in industries are shafts of a low stiffness [ 3 , 4 ].…”