Contour Measuring Arm Automatic Power-Off Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional contour measuring apparatuses are prone to damage from external forces and require manual attention and origin return operations, leading to increased operational costs and potential measurement inaccuracies due to the arm's unstable position when power is turned off.
Innovation Solution
A contour measuring apparatus with a swingable arm, an attitude change mechanism, and a controller that automatically returns the arm to a mechanical limit position upon power-off, minimizing the distance between the stylus and the object, and using an incremental type detector with the arm position at power-on set as the origin to eliminate origin return operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the arm stops in a position distant from the object to be measured when power is turned off, then the object can be handled safely, but the distance between the arm and the installation part increases causing foreign substances to enter and the stylus may be damaged by external force
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically moves the arm to a predetermined safe position (mechanical limit position) before the power source is turned off. This preliminary action ensures the stylus is retracted from the measurement position, preventing foreign substances from entering the gap and protecting against external force damage when the apparatus is off.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller detects the power-off state and automatically responds by moving the arm to the safe position. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual operator intervention, ensuring consistent protection against damage and foreign substance contamination every time the apparatus is powered down.
2Ease of manufacture
If an incremental type detector is used, then the device cost is reduced, but origin return operation is required every time the power source is turned on increasing processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically performs origin return by moving the arm to the mechanical limit position (where the stopper contacts the arm) immediately when the power source is turned on, before measurement operations begin. This preliminary origin return eliminates the need for manual attention and reduces processing time while using the cost-effective incremental type detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs origin return automatically without requiring manual intervention from the operator. The controller self-manages the origin return process by detecting the power-on state and automatically positioning the arm at the mechanical limit, reducing both time loss and operational complexity.
3Reliability
If manual attention is called to move the stylus and arm nearer to the installation part, then damage may be prevented, but the manipulation may not be performed due to manipulation loss of the worker
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically manages the arm positioning to the safe position when power is turned off, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent protection against damage without relying on operator attention or memory, preventing manipulation loss and ensuring reliable protection every time.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller detects the power-off state and automatically responds by moving the arm to the safe position. This automated feedback mechanism replaces manual operator actions, ensuring consistent and reliable protection against damage and foreign substance contamination without depending on operator behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
A contour measuring apparatus includes: an arm including a stylus in a distal end and being swingable with respect to a cabinet; an attitude change mechanism configured to change an attitude of the arm within a swing range; a stopper configured to make contact with the arm when the arm moves nearer to an installation part of an object to be measured within the swing range; and a controller configured to operate the attitude change mechanism based on a power-off command and return the arm to a mechanical limit position in which the arm makes contact with the stopper.