Contact Measuring Probe Automation With Vibration-Assisted Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic measuring systems are either expensive and difficult to maintain, or they require significant investment for technologies like coordinate measuring machines, making them unsuitable for widespread use as substitutes for traditional micrometers or calipers.
Innovation Solution
An automatic measuring apparatus that incorporates a small-sized measuring device with a movable element and a displacement detection part, automated by a power-driven operation part and enhanced with a vibration actuator to facilitate close contact between the workpiece and the measuring device at a pressure lower than the predetermined measurement pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If non-contact measurement devices such as air micrometers and laser scan micrometers are used, then automation is achieved, but the cost increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces non-contact measurement systems (air micrometers, laser scan micrometers) with a contact-type measuring device that uses a simple mechanical probe. This substitution maintains automation capabilities while significantly reducing cost and maintenance complexity, as the mechanical contact measurement principle is more straightforward and robust compared to complex optical or air-bearing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive contact-type measuring devices with simple mechanical structures that can be easily replaced if needed. The measuring probe and basic mechanical components are designed to be cost-effective alternatives to expensive non-contact systems, making the overall measurement system more affordable and easier to maintain.
2Extent of automation
If contact-type measuring devices are automated using motor power, then automation is achieved, but practical application has been limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a vibration actuator that applies vibration to the workpiece or measuring device to facilitate close contact between the workpiece and the movable element. This vibration mechanism ensures reliable contact and improves measurement accuracy, addressing the reliability issues that have limited practical application of automated contact measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration actuator automatically adjusts the contact between the workpiece and measuring element without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the contact pressure and positioning through vibrational assistance, enabling reliable automated operation of contact-type measuring devices.
3Extent of automation
If coordinate measuring machines are used for automated contact measurement, then automation is achieved, but the investment required is tens to hundreds of millions of yen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into separate functional modules: a simple contact-type measuring device, a vibration actuator for contact facilitation, and a control unit for automation. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and selected based on specific needs, avoiding the need for expensive integrated systems like coordinate measuring machines while still achieving automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a versatile measurement system that can measure various workpiece types and dimensions using a single contact-type measuring device with vibration assistance. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for expensive specialized equipment like coordinate measuring machines, making automated measurement accessible for a broader range of applications.
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 solution enables efficient, automated, and cost-effective contact-type measurements, reducing labor intensity and maintaining high measurement stability, while being more affordable and easier to maintain than traditional non-contact measurement devices.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration actuator that directly or indirectly applies vibration, when the movable element is brought into contact with the workpiece, to at least one of the workpiece and the measuring device
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an automatic measuring apparatus that automates an inexpensive and easy-to-use contact-type measuring device. An automatic measuring apparatus includes a measuring device including a movable element that is displaceable with respect to a fixed element and moves forward and backward to be brought into contact with or away from a workpiece, and a displacement detection part that detects a displacement or position of the movable element, and an automatic operation part that automates the forward/backward movement of the movable element by power. When the movable element is brought into contact with the workpiece, vibration is applied directly or indirectly to at least one of the workpiece and the measuring device in such a manner that contacting surfaces of the workpiece and the measuring device are in close contact with each other by changing a relative position and posture between the workpiece and the measuring device.