Automatic Inside-Diameter Measuring Apparatus with Elastic Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inside-diameter measuring devices, including air micrometers, are expensive, require significant maintenance, and have limited measurement repeatability and range, necessitating a more affordable and efficient automated solution for hole-diameter measurement.
Innovation Solution
An automatic inside-diameter measuring apparatus with a moving mechanism and electric drive unit, featuring a contact point that moves forward and backward to insert and retract into a hole, and a displacement detection system, controlled by a unit that aligns and measures the workpiece without human intervention, utilizing a guide member and workpiece stopper for posture adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an air micrometer is used to automate inside-diameter measurement, then automation is achieved, but the device becomes very expensive and requires an air compressor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex pneumatic system of air micrometers with a simple mechanical measurement system. A contact point mechanically touches the hole wall, and its position is detected by a displacement detection part, eliminating the need for air compressors and complex pneumatic components while achieving automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive, simple mechanical components instead of expensive pneumatic systems. The measurement system consists of basic mechanical parts like a contact point, cylinder case, and displacement detection mechanism that are far cheaper than air micrometers requiring compressed air infrastructure.
2Extent of automation
If an air micrometer is used, then automation is achieved, but measurement repeatability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic contact mechanism with a direct mechanical contact system where a contact point physically touches the hole wall. The displacement detection part precisely measures the contact point position, providing superior repeatability compared to pneumatic systems that suffer from air pressure variations and compliance issues.
3Extent of automation
If an air micrometer is used, then automation is achieved, but measurement range is extremely short
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic measurement system where the contact point can move forward and backward along the cylinder axis to adapt to different hole diameters. The displacement detection part tracks this movement, enabling measurement across a wide range of diameters rather than being limited to a fixed, narrow range like air micrometers.
4Device complexity
If manual measurement devices are used, then cost is reduced, but manual labor and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is self-operating once the workpiece is positioned. The contact point automatically contacts the hole wall, the displacement detection part automatically measures the position, and the control unit automatically processes the data. This eliminates the need for manual reading and recording while keeping the device simple and inexpensive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines simple mechanical components with automated detection and control. The mechanical contact point and displacement detection system are inexpensive, but when integrated with automated positioning and data processing, they achieve high productivity without the complexity and cost of pneumatic automation systems.
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
Enables precise, automated, and cost-effective measurement of inside diameters, reducing manual labor and maintenance costs while improving measurement accuracy and range.
Implementation Method 1
the support surface of the workpiece stopper is an elastic member or is supported by an elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic measuring apparatus includes an inside-diameter measuring unit that measures the inside diameter of a workpiece, a robot arm part, and a control unit. The inside-diameter measuring unit is installed with the tip side facing upward. A cone-shaped guide cone is provided at the tip of the inside-diameter measuring unit. A workpiece stopper is attached to the outside of the inside-diameter measuring unit. A support surface, which serves as a placing surface on which the workpiece is placed, is supported by a spring, and the inclination and position of the support surface changes to follow a change in the posture and position of the workpiece.