Comparative Caliper with Capacitive Grating for Abbe Error Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Calipers suffer from manufacturing and installation errors that cause angular misalignments, leading to Abbe errors in length measurements, which are difficult to fully eliminate.

Innovation Solution

A comparative caliper with a signal processing module, input device, measurement device, and display device, utilizing a capacitive grating sensor to detect relative displacement, set reference values, and tolerance limits, and automatically identify the correct group of reference values and tolerance limits for enhanced accuracy and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional caliper measurement methods are used, then the measurement process is simple, but Abbe errors caused by angular misalignment cannot be fully eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical reading scales with a capacitive grating sensor system that uses electromagnetic fields to detect displacement. This substitution enables automated measurement and eliminates the need for manual reading, thereby reducing Abbe errors while maintaining operational simplicity through electronic automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system automatically identifies and compensates for Abbe errors through integrated signal processing and error correction algorithms. The system self-calibrates by detecting angular displacement and automatically adjusting measurements, eliminating the need for manual error correction procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple groups of reference values and tolerance limits are stored, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement configuration versatilityVSAvoiddata management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal data structure that can store multiple groups of reference values and tolerance limits with different parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, dimensional specifications). The same hardware and software platform handles all measurement configurations, enabling versatile applications without requiring separate systems for each measurement type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital copies of reference values and tolerance limits in memory, allowing multiple measurement configurations to be stored and retrieved without physical duplication of measurement instruments. This enables virtual replication of measurement parameters for different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If automated identification of reference values and tolerance limits is implemented, then measurement efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors measurement data, automatically identifies the appropriate reference values and tolerance limits from stored configurations, and adjusts measurements in real-time. This feedback loop eliminates manual intervention and streamlines the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing multiple groups of reference values and tolerance limits in memory before actual measurements are taken. The automated identification system then quickly retrieves the appropriate parameters based on measurement context, eliminating the need for manual configuration during measurement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Automated Abbe error compensation and group identification simplify the measurement process, allowing users to measure without manual setting adjustments, enhancing measurement efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

The capacitive grating sensor is configured to detect the relative displacement between the fixed scale and the sliding scale

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive grating sensor detection: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20250224223A1Comparative caliper and method for measuring using the same

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 GUILIN GEMRED SENSOR TECH

AI summary

A comparative caliper, including: a signal processing module; an input device; and a measurement device. The signal processing module is connected to the input device and the measurement device; the input device is configured to set a reference value and tolerance limits; the measurement device is configured to measure a relative displacement between two points on an object, and then relays the relative displacement to the signal processing module; and the signal processing module is configured to store data and perform calculations.