Air-Driven Contour Probe for Precision Lens Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contour measuring probes face challenges in applying a small, steady measuring force, especially when measuring precision objects with slanted surfaces, as they are prone to deformation or vibration, leading to measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
A contour measuring probe design featuring a tube guide, hollow tubes, a tip extension, a linear measuring scale, and a displacement sensor, where air is used to push the tip extension through the hollow tubes, with obliquely disposed pipes controlling the air flow to maintain a small and steady force, minimizing deformation and enhancing precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a contact-type touch trigger probe is used to measure precision objects, then measurement capability is achieved, but the measuring force causes deformation or damage to the object surface, leading to measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical contact-type touch trigger probe with a non-contact optical measuring system. The optical probe uses light to measure the surface of precision objects without physical contact, thereby eliminating the harmful measuring force that causes deformation or damage to the object surface while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an air bearing system that uses compressed air to create a non-contact support mechanism for the measuring probe. The air film between the probe and the object surface eliminates mechanical contact forces while allowing precise positioning and measurement, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and object damage.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the measuring force is increased to ensure stable contact measurement, then contact stability is improved, but the contact tip becomes easily damaged and measuring errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact measurement system with an optical non-contact measurement system. This substitution eliminates the contact tip that is prone to damage while maintaining measurement stability through optical field stability, thereby improving both contact stability and tip durability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium between the measuring instrument and the object. This light field acts as a mediator that transfers measurement information without physical contact, ensuring both measurement stability and protection of the object surface from mechanical damage.
3Force
If a slanted contact tip arrangement is used to reduce measuring force, then measuring force is reduced, but the measuring force becomes difficult to control and varies with angle changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical slanted contact tip arrangement with an optical non-contact measurement system. This substitution eliminates the need to control measuring force magnitude and direction, as optical measurement does not rely on mechanical contact forces. The ease of operation is improved by removing the complexity of force control while maintaining reduced measuring force through non-contact operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design allows for precise measurement of precision objects with reduced risk of deformation and vibration, providing high precision and minimizing measurement errors, particularly in the manufacturing of optical lenses, while also reducing manufacturing time.
Implementation Method 1
The hollow tubes are configured to be driven by a flux of air to push the tip extension to move
Implementation Method 2
The pipes are obliquely disposed in a tube guide relative to the tubes. The pipes allow the flux of air to be pumped on a sidewall of the hollow tubes
Implementation Method 3
The linear measuring scale and the displacement sensor are respectively fixed relative to one of the tube guide and the tip extension. The linear measuring scale displays values of displacements of the tip extension. The displacement sensor detects and reads the displacement values displayed by the linear measuring scale
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary contour measuring probe (10) includes a tube guide (12), a tip extension (20), a pair of hollow tubes (16), a plurality of pipes (104, 106), a linear measuring scale (18), and a displacement sensor (19). The tip extension (20) is configured to touch a surface of an object (50). The hollow tubes (16) are configured to be driven by a flux of air to push the tip extension (20) to move. The pipes (104, 106) are obliquely disposed in a tube guide (12) relative to the hollow tubes (16). The pipes (104, 106) allow the flux of air to be pumped on a sidewall of the hollow tubes (16). A part of the flux of air is ejected out of the tube guide (12). The linear measuring scale (18) and the displacement sensor (19) are respectively fixed relative to one of the tube guide (12) and the tip extension (20). The linear measuring scale (18) displays values of displacements of the tip extension (20). The displacement sensor (19) detects and reads the displacement values displayed by the linear measuring scale (18).