Compact 3D Touch Probe with Integrated Rack
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D touch measuring devices have complex structures with numerous components, resulting in a large construction volume and bulkiness, which complicates their design and operation.
Innovation Solution
A 3D touch measuring device with a reduced number of components, featuring a centrically arranged probe arm, feeler lever, and toothed rack along the measuring axis, eliminating cross-connecting elements and minimizing the construction volume, while using a universal joint system to convert pivoting movements into linear displacements for precise detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mechanical dial gauges with round dials and analogue displays are used, then measurement functionality is provided, but the device structure becomes complex and the construction volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the conventional dial gauge by removing the round dial housing and analogue display mechanism, retaining only the core components (measuring bolt, toothed rack, gear train) needed for measurement while eliminating unnecessary structural elements that increased complexity and volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical dial gauge display system with a more compact measurement mechanism that maintains measurement precision while reducing structural complexity, using a streamlined gear train and toothed rack system integrated directly into the probe arm
2Measurement precision
If conventional dial gauges with side-mounted displays are used, then measurement detection is achieved, but the transverse dimensions and overall volume of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement detection function with the probe arm structure by integrating the toothed rack and gear train directly into the probe arm body, eliminating the need for separate side-mounted dial gauge housings and reducing transverse dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the measurement display elements along the longitudinal axis of the probe arm rather than mounting them laterally, utilizing the length dimension to accommodate measurement components without increasing transverse footprint
3Ease of operation
If coupling sleeves and cross-connecting elements are used to connect probe arm and measuring device, then movement transmission is achieved, but the number of components increases and construction volume expands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coupling function with the probe arm structure by making the toothed rack an integral part of the probe arm body, eliminating separate coupling sleeves and cross-connecting elements while maintaining effective movement transmission from probe tip to measuring device
Solution Approach 2:
The probe arm structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, transmits movement through the integrated toothed rack, and houses the measuring device, eliminating the need for separate coupling components
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
This design simplifies the structure, reduces the number of components, and enhances functional reliability and service life by achieving a compact, robust, and accurate multi-coordinate measuring probe with reduced transverse dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a probe arm (6) protruding from the housing (3) and carrying a probe tip (7), which can be displaced relative to the housing (3) in the direction of a measuring axis (9) and can be pivoted in all directions about the measuring axis (9), a probe lever (46) connected to the probe arm (6), which forms the first universal joint (43)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The 3D contact measuring device senses work pieces in machine tools for adjusting the zero point of a numerically controlled machine tool or for positioning tasks. The device comprises a preferably elongated housing, a sensing arm projecting from the housing and bearing a sensing tip. The sensing arm being movable in the direction of a measuring axis and pivotable in all directions about the measuring axis. A sensing lever is connected to the sensing arm and forms the first universal joint, and a measuring device for detecting a parameter, which characterizes the displacement and/or the pivoting of the sensing arm. A further control surface forms a second universal joint. An elongated toothed rack of a gear transmission is aligned along the measuring axis and is movably supported and is coupled to the sensing lever via the second universal joint.