Detecting Device Stylus Stability via Displacement Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact probes with three-point suspension systems face challenges in achieving repeatable and precise detection of contact with objects due to mechanical instability and poor lobe characteristics, making it difficult to accurately measure further motion and detect contact reliably.
Innovation Solution
A detecting device with a stylus having a shaft and base portion that moves relative to a fixed portion, utilizing a sensor to measure displacement caused by object contact and a control portion to determine contact based on measured displacement, ensuring reproducible and precise detection through balanced rotational moments and appropriate threshold values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a three-point suspension system is used for the stylus, then initial contact detection repeatability is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates when the stylus moves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical three-point suspension system with a different mechanical configuration where the stylus is supported at multiple points that remain in contact during movement. This substitution maintains the repeatability of initial contact detection while avoiding the mechanical instability that occurs when the three-point suspension collapses during stylus movement.
2Reliability
If the stylus is allowed to move freely to detect contact, then contact detection capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to mechanical instability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing free movement and detecting instability, the patent inverts the approach by constraining the stylus to move along a predetermined path with controlled degrees of freedom. This inversion enables contact detection while maintaining measurement precision by preventing the mechanical instability that would otherwise occur during uncontrolled movement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If spring force is increased to stabilize the stylus, then mechanical stability is improved, but device complexity and potential for malfunction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the support system from using adjustable spring forces to using a geometric constraint system with predetermined support points. This parameter change achieves stylus stability without the complexity of spring force adjustment and reduces the risk of malfunction associated with mechanical spring systems.
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 reproducible and precise detection of contact with objects from multiple directions, improving measuring efficiency and preventing malfunctions due to vibrations, while maintaining stable conditions without increasing spring force, thus overcoming the limitations of three-point suspension systems.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor which measures a displacement resulting from an inclination of the base portion relative to the fixed portion caused by contact between an object and the shaft portion
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a detecting device which detects a contact with an object, which includes, a fixed portion provided in the detecting device, a shaft portion, and a base portion which is connected to the shaft portion and configured to move relative to the fixed portion, a sensor which measures a displacement resulting from an inclination of the base portion relative to the fixed portion caused by a contact between an object and the shaft portion, and a control portion which determines if a contact between an object and the shaft portion occurs or not based on the measured displacement.