Electronic Caliper Power Generation via Slider Gear Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic calipers require frequent battery replacement, which is inconvenient and costly, and existing power-saving configurations often compromise the feel and precision of the instrument.
Innovation Solution
An electrically powered caliper that generates power through a gear assembly and power generator integrated into the slider, allowing power generation during standard use motions, with a motion resistance force component of at most 20N or less, using a gear assembly with a force-limiting clutch and energy storage elements like batteries or capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a power generating arrangement is added to the caliper to eliminate battery replacement, then battery life is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power generating arrangement is integrated into the existing slider assembly, merging the power generation function with the measurement mechanism. The gear assembly is coupled to the slider, and the power generator is coupled to the gear assembly, creating a compact integrated system that generates power during normal caliper operation without requiring separate power generation components
Solution Approach 2:
The caliper generates its own power through the power generating arrangement during standard use motions. The system uses the user's own operational movements (opening and closing jaws) to drive the gear assembly and generate electrical power, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external battery replacement
2Duration of action of moving object
If a power generating arrangement is added to generate power during use, then battery replacement is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased motion resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The power generating arrangement is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to user operating speeds. The system provides motion resistance that varies with operating conditions, ensuring that during normal use the resistance remains acceptable while still generating sufficient power. The arrangement becomes particularly beneficial when the caliper is held stationary, as no additional resistance is applied during static measurement reading
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes the gear ratio and generator characteristics to change the operational parameters such that power generation occurs efficiently during typical opening and closing motions while maintaining acceptable operational feel. The motion resistance force component is controlled to be at most 20N during user operation, balancing power generation with ease of use
3Power
If the power generating arrangement creates high motion resistance force, then more power is generated, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to workpiece deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The power generating arrangement is designed to provide motion resistance that is appropriate during dynamic operation (opening and closing) but does not interfere with static measurement accuracy. When the caliper is held stationary against a workpiece, the power generating arrangement does not apply additional force, allowing precise measurements without workpiece deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The gear assembly and power generator are configured to engage and generate power during the motion phases of caliper operation, before the measurement is taken. The power generation occurs during the opening and closing actions, and the system is designed to minimize or eliminate additional resistance during the static measurement reading phase
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
The caliper extends battery life by generating power from user motions, maintaining the feel and precision of existing calipers while reducing the need for frequent battery replacements, ensuring efficient and repeatable measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a power generator coupled to the gear assembly and configured to rotate in response to force provided by the rotating gear assembly and provide power to the signal processing portion
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic caliper generates power for measurement operations. The caliper comprises a scale member, a slider, a signal processing portion configured to measure a displacement between the scale member and slider, a power generating arrangement attached to the slider comprising a gear assembly configured to rotate in response to a force provided through the scale member to the gear assembly by a user opening or closing the caliper, and a power generator coupled to the gear assembly and configured to rotate in response to force provided by the rotating gear assembly and provide power to the signal processing portion. The power generating arrangement generates power as the user opens or closes the caliper and is configured such that it contributes a motion resistance force component of at most 20N during the user opening or closing the caliper using a maximum manual acceleration and/or speed.