Center Misalignment Gauge Using a Sliding Stylus Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing misalignment determining devices for centers in machine tools, such as lathes and grinders, have complex configurations that prevent the use of standard dial gauges with simple configurations, like lever or spindle types, due to their intricate mechanisms involving multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A misalignment determining device with a tubular case, a test indicator, a rotatable holder body, a slidable body, and a pivotal body, where the stylus of the test indicator contacts the radial extension portion of the slidable body, allowing precise determination of misalignment using a simple configuration, and includes features like a through hole for non-rotational movement and an adjustable slit for fine tilt adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex mechanism with multiple components (swing arm, arm receiving pin, support arm) is used to determine misalignment, then misalignment determination is achieved, but the configuration becomes complicated and standard simple dial gauges cannot be employed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the complex mechanism and isolates it to a simple stylus-contact system. The pivotal body with its pivotable leading end portion captures the misalignment indication, while the slidable body transmits this indication directly to the test indicator stylus, eliminating unnecessary intermediate components like swing arms and support arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the device compatible with universal standard test indicators (both lever type and spindle type) by providing a standardized interface through the stylus contact point. The slidable body's radial extension portion serves as a universal contact surface that works with different test indicator types, allowing the same misalignment determination mechanism to interface with various standard gauges.
2Device complexity
If a simple dial gauge configuration is used, then the device structure is simplified, but the ability to accurately transmit pivotal movement to the stylus is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The slidable body acts as an intermediary mechanism between the pivotal body and the test indicator stylus. It receives the pivotal movement through the contact between the pivotal body's leading end portion and the slidable body's inner circumferential face, then converts this rotational input into linear displacement of the stylus through the interaction between the axial extension portion and radial extension portion, ensuring accurate transmission without mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the pivotal (rotational) movement of the pivotal body into linear displacement along the axial direction through the slidable body mechanism. The radial extension portion moving in the axial direction translates the angular deviation into a linear measurement that the test indicator can accurately read, changing the dimension of movement from rotational to linear.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a misalignment determining device that allows determination of center misalignment using a test indicator having a simple configuration. The device includes a tubular case (2) having a through hole (21) that extends therethrough in an axial direction (X), a test indicator (3) capable of determining a minute amount of change of distance by a stylus (32), a tubular holder body (4) rotatably attached to the case (2) through the through hole (21), a supporting body (5) for supporting the holder body (4), a slidable body (6) provided on a radial inner side (R2) of the holder body (4) and movable relative to the holder body (4) along the axial direction (X), and a pivotal body (7) having a pivotable leading end portion whose pivotal amount is transmitted to the slidable body (6). The slidable body (6) has an axial extension portion (61) formed along the axial direction (X) and a radial extension portion (62) formed along the radial direction. The stylus (32) and the radial extension portion (62) are configured to come into contact with each other.