Adjustable Probe Clip for CMM Thermal Stress and Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) face challenges in accurately securing and adjusting optical probes, particularly in preventing measurement errors due to thermal stress and ensuring probe safety during collisions with foreign objects.
Innovation Solution
A probe clip system with a movable joint, such as a ball joint or scissors mechanism, allows for adjustable positioning and thermal stress absorption, and includes a spring-loaded retainer to secure the probe and protect it from impacts by releasing the probe if an excessive force is applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid probe holder is used to securely attach the optical probe, then the probe is firmly secured, but thermal stress is transmitted to the probe causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the probe holder by introducing compliance elements that allow controlled movement and deformation. This enables the holder to absorb thermal expansion forces while maintaining probe security, thus preventing thermal stress transmission that would otherwise compromise measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe holder is designed with built-in compliance features that act as cushioning elements before thermal stress can reach the probe. These elements absorb and dissipate thermal forces in advance, protecting the probe from measurement-affecting stress while maintaining reliable attachment.
2Measurement precision
If a fixed probe position is maintained to ensure measurement stability, then measurement consistency is improved, but the probe is vulnerable to damage during collisions with foreign objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static, fixed probe position to a dynamic system that can adapt to external forces. The compliant probe holder allows the probe to move slightly under impact forces, absorbing collision energy while maintaining measurement stability during normal operation. This dynamic response prevents damage while preserving measurement consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliance elements in the probe holder serve as pre-positioned cushioning that activates during collisions. These elements are designed to absorb impact forces before they can damage the probe, while the probe's ability to move slightly within controlled limits maintains measurement consistency during normal use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex adjustment mechanism is added to allow probe position adjustment, then positioning flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic compliance mechanisms that provide automatic adjustment capabilities without complex control systems. The compliant elements naturally adapt to thermal changes and minor misalignments through controlled deformation, providing positioning flexibility while avoiding the complexity of active adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe holder's compliance elements perform self-adjustment in response to thermal expansion and positioning requirements. The mechanism automatically compensates for variations without requiring external control systems or complex adjustment procedures, providing adaptability while maintaining simplicity.
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 system enables precise and stable probe positioning, reduces thermal stress transmission, and effectively protects the probe from damage during collisions, ensuring accurate measurements and maintaining probe integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the retainer is spring-loaded to absorb thermal stress from the probe seat, thereby reducing the transmission of such thermal stress to the probe
Implementation Method 2
a movable joint for movably coupling the probe seat to the base and configured to allow the probe seat to be controllably movable relative to the base
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A probe clip allows easy and accurate placement of the probe clip onto a coordinate measuring machine ("CMM"). Moreover various probe clips are configured to movably and adjustably secure an optical probe to the CMM. To that end, the probe clip may have a probe seat, for holding the probe, movably coupled to a clamp segment by an adjustable joint. The clamp segment movably couples the probe seat to a probe platform on the CMM.