Deformable Probe Receptacle for Precise Feeler Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensing devices for machining plate-shaped workpieces with interrupted surfaces are complex, difficult to access, and require numerous components for adjustment, leading to high manufacturing and assembly times and costs, as well as imprecise positioning.

Innovation Solution

A tactile sensing device with a receptacle that allows for precise adjustment of sensing elements through elastic deformation, reducing the number of components and eliminating the need for additional alignment, featuring a deformable receptacle with adjustable regions and a reference sensing element for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional probing devices with multiple components and adjustment mechanisms are used, then positioning capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple adjustment mechanisms and positioning components into a single integrated receptacle structure. The receptacle incorporates both the mounting function and the adjustment function through its elastically deformable design, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing the total number of components while maintaining positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The receptacle utilizes elastic deformation to change its geometric parameters dynamically. By applying force to the receptacle body, the distance between the first and second probe elements can be adjusted continuously, providing precise positioning without requiring multiple discrete components or complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple adjustment mechanisms with clamps and spindles are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult access and complex adjustment procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidadjustment accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the adjustment function from complex mechanical mechanisms (clamps, spindles, eccentrics) and implements it directly through the elastic deformation property of the receptacle body. This simplifies the adjustment operation to a single action of applying force to deform the receptacle, making it easily accessible and operable without complex procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The receptacle's elastic material automatically provides the adjustment mechanism through its inherent deformation capability. The material itself serves as both the structural support and the adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate adjustment devices and simplifying operation to direct manipulation of the receptacle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional probing devices with multiple components are used, then positioning capability is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly time increase due to numerous components requiring assembly and adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple discrete components (receptacle, adjustment mechanisms, mounting structures) into a single integrated elastically deformable receptacle. This reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, significantly shortening manufacturing and assembly times while maintaining the positioning capability through the receptacle's deformation-based adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional probing devices with parallel adjustment positions are used, then positioning options are provided, but ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in accessing and reproducing settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment optionsVSAvoidsetting reproducibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses elastic deformation to provide continuous adjustment options for probe element positioning. The deformable receptacle allows smooth variation of the distance between probe elements through controlled deformation, providing versatile positioning options that are easily accessible and reproducible without the complexity of parallel adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly shortens manufacturing and assembly times, reduces costs, and provides precise adjustment capabilities, allowing for immediate compensation of positional deviations during mounting, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective sensing device.

Implementation Method 1

The receptacle is elastically deformable in sections to move the adjustable area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4295998A1Feeler device
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 BRANDT KANTENTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP4295998A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4295998A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4295998A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to the invention, a sensing device is provided, comprising: at least a first sensing element and a receptacle for receiving the sensing element, wherein the receptacle has at least one adjustable area for positioning the sensing element. The receptacle is elastically deformable in sections for moving the adjustable area.