Coordinate Measuring Machine Feeler Pin Identification via Rotational Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coordinate measuring machines require repeated calibration when changing feeler pins, and existing identification methods for feeler pins are either complex or require specific orientations for secure contact, which complicates the process of uniquely identifying and reading out the calibration data.
Innovation Solution
A feeler pin design with a shaft and fastening sleeve connected by a plastic section, featuring a first contact provided by the fastening sleeve and a second rotationally symmetrical contact device, allowing for secure and orientation-independent contact with the identification device, and a feeler head with mating contacts to hold and read out the identification device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an identification chip is integrated into the feeler pin with wired contacts, then the feeler pin can be uniquely identified and calibration data can be read out, but the structure becomes more complex and current flow may corrupt measurement results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a plastic section as an intermediary material between the metallic shaft and fastening sleeve. This plastic section contains embedded contact elements that provide electrical connection for the identification chip while electrically insulating the shaft from the fastening sleeve, preventing current flow interference with measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeler pin combines multiple materials with different properties: a metallic shaft for structural support, a plastic section for electrical insulation and contact embedding, and a fastening sleeve for mounting. This composite structure enables both identification functionality and measurement reliability.
2Device complexity
If wireless RFID connection is used for the identification chip, then no dedicated energy supply is needed in the feeler pin, but the feeler pin structure becomes more complex and autonomous energy supply is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wireless RFID communication with a wired electrical connection system. The identification chip is connected via physical contacts through the plastic section, eliminating the need for wireless communication hardware, antennas, and autonomous power supplies while providing reliable data transmission.
3Reliability
If specific orientation contacts are used for the identification chip, then secure contact can be achieved, but the feeler pin must be inserted in a specific orientation which complicates operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a rotationally symmetrical contact arrangement where the plastic section with embedded contacts can make reliable electrical connection with the identification chip regardless of the feeler pin's rotational orientation. This symmetrical design eliminates the need for specific insertion orientation while maintaining contact reliability.
4Measurement precision
If repeated calibration is performed when changing feeler pins, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but time is lost during feeler pin changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores calibration data in advance within the identification chip of each feeler pin. When a feeler pin is inserted, the system automatically reads the pre-stored calibration data from the chip, eliminating the need for time-consuming recalibration procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a feeler pin for a coordinate measuring machine. The feeler pin comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end, a fastening sleeve for fastening the feeler pin in a feeler pin holder, and an identification device for identifying the feeler pin. A feeler object is provided at the first end of the shaft, wherein the identification device can be read out via a first contact and a second contact. Further, it is provided that the second end of the shaft and the fastening sleeve are connected by a plastic section, wherein the first contact is provided by the fastening sleeve, and the second contact is provided by a rotationally symmetrical contact device which is electrically insulated from the fastening sleeve by the plastic section. Further, the present invention relates to a feeler head for holding the at least one feeler pin.