Abstract: A compact coordinate measuring machine (CMM) probe configuration is provided for integrating complex circuits into a CMM probe. The CMM probe configuration includes a stylus position detection portion, a stylus suspension portion and a circuit board assembly. The stylus position detection portion includes an alignment frame and an optical sensing configuration. The circuit board assembly includes a rigid-flex circuit element and a three-dimensional carrier frame. The rigid-flex circuit element includes a set of board portions joined by a set of flexible bend portions. The rigid-flex circuit element is folded at the bend portions to locate some of the board portions to be proximate to and/or joined to corresponding support surfaces on the carrier frame. The circuit board assembly at least partially surrounds a majority of the stylus position detection portion and is joined thereto with the carrier frame fixed relative to the alignment frame.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring probe body includes a rigid probe body structure including an upper mounting portion, a compliant element mounting frame, and an axial extension portion between them. A stylus suspension portion includes compliant elements that suspend a moving element from the compliant element mounting frame. A displacement sensing arrangement that senses displacement of the moving element includes displacement sensors that output a respective displacement signals. A circuit board assembly that receives the displacement signals has three component mounting portions which are interconnected with a flexible circuit component, and located around the axial extension portion. In various embodiments, all of the compliant elements are located on a distal side of the circuit board assembly.

Abstract: A compact coordinate measuring machine (CMM) probe configuration is provided for integrating complex circuits into a CMM probe. The CMM probe configuration includes a stylus position detection portion, a stylus suspension portion and a circuit board assembly. The stylus position detection portion includes an alignment frame and an optical sensing configuration. The circuit board assembly includes a rigid-flex circuit element and a three-dimensional carrier frame. The rigid-flex circuit element includes a set of board portions joined by a set of flexible bend portions. The rigid-flex circuit element is folded at the bend portions to locate some of the board portions to be proximate to and/or joined to corresponding support surfaces on the carrier frame. The circuit board assembly at least partially surrounds a majority of the stylus position detection portion and is joined thereto with the carrier frame fixed relative to the alignment frame.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring probe body includes a rigid probe body structure including an upper mounting portion, a compliant element mounting frame, and an axial extension portion between them. A stylus suspension portion includes compliant elements that suspend a moving element from the compliant element mounting frame. A displacement sensing arrangement that senses displacement of the moving element includes displacement sensors that output a respective displacement signals. A circuit board assembly that receives the displacement signals has three component mounting portions which are interconnected with a flexible circuit component, and located around the axial extension portion. In various embodiments, all of the compliant elements are located on a distal side of the circuit board assembly.