High-Precision Centroid Measurement Method Based on 3D Scanning and Hooke’s Law

The accurate determination of an object's centroid is a critical requirement in fields such as aerospace engineering and advanced manufacturing, where it is essential for quality control and system performance. Traditional methods, such as multi-point weighing, are often limited by restricted measurement ranges, inaccuracies from mechanical alignment tolerances, and susceptibility to lateral force interference from uneven platforms, which collectively constrain measurement precision. To address these challenges, a novel measurement framework is proposed that synergizes high-precision 3D scanning with Hooke's law-based mechanical sensing. This methodology eliminates dependencies on mechanical positioning and offers enhanced compatibility with various object geometries through its non-contact 3D scanning. The system also integrates linear spring-based force transduction for enhanced load adaptability and incorporates active anti-tilt compensation using 3D scanning and motor leveling. Experimental validation demonstrated sub-millimeter accuracy compared to the multi-point weighing method, with measured centroid deviations of 0.01 mm (<i>X</i>-axis), 0.06 mm (<i>Y</i>-axis), and 0.03 mm (<i>Z</i>-axis), achieving a composite spatial precision of 0.07 mm. This methodological innovation not only expands the operational envelope of centroid measurement systems but also provides new theoretical insights and a robust methodology for measuring complex parts and systems.