Digital Indicator Linear Display Mark Multipoint Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multipoint measurement systems using dial gauges struggle to visually grasp the quantitative trend of a measured object's shape due to difficulty in reading rotational angles and interpreting the shape from multiple measurement points.

Innovation Solution

A digital indicator and multipoint measuring apparatus featuring a display device with a movable spindle, displacement detecting sensor, and display controller that linearly moves a measured value display mark on the display surface, allowing for visual representation of the measurement surface trend and tolerance checking, enabling easy switching between digital and mark display modes for dimension and trend measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If dial gauges are used for multipoint measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but visual grasping of quantitative trend becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidvisual grasping of trend
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy of the measurement data by displaying measured values as marks on a display surface that represents the measured object's shape. Instead of directly reading dial gauge needles, the system generates a graphical representation where marks indicate measurement points and their positions reflect the quantitative trends of the measured object's shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical dial gauge reading system with an electronic display system. The mechanical rotation of dial gauge needles is substituted by electronic marks displayed on a screen, which can be visually interpreted to show trends without requiring manual reading of rotational positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Quantity of substance

If multiple dial gauges are installed at predetermined positions, then multipoint measurement is enabled, but reading rotational angles from scales becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of measurement pointsVSAvoidreading complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a simplified visual copy of multiple measurement points on a display surface, where each measurement point is represented by a mark whose position corresponds to the measured value. This eliminates the need to read multiple separate dial gauges with scales, as all information is presented in a single graphical representation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple measurement readings into a single integrated display. Instead of separately reading multiple dial gauges, all measurement point data is combined and presented together on one display surface, showing the spatial relationship and trends of all measurement points simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If dial gauges with scales are used, then measurement function is provided, but grasping shape at once becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement functionVSAvoidtime to grasp shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a direct visual copy of the measured object's shape characteristics by displaying marks on a representation of the measured object. This allows the overall shape and trends to be grasped immediately without sequentially reading multiple dial gauge scales, significantly reducing the time required to understand the measured geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional dial gauge scale readings to a two-dimensional display surface that represents the measured object's shape. By mapping measurement values to positions on this display surface, the system enables simultaneous visualization of multiple measurement points and their spatial relationships, allowing rapid comprehension of the overall shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables easy visualization of the measurement surface trend and tolerance checking, facilitating accurate dimension and trend measurement of a measured object by aligning display marks and allowing for multipoint measurements with reduced complexity and increased precision.

Implementation Method 1

a displacement detecting sensor configured to detect a movement displacement amount of the spindle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDisplacement detection:

Data Source

PatentEP2645051B1Digital indicator and multipoint measuring apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.05.23 MITUTOYO CORP
  • EP2645051B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2645051B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2645051B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A digital indicator includes: a body; a spindle formed in the body, movably in an axial direction; a displacement detecting sensor configured to detect a movement displacement amount of the spindle; a display device configured to display the movement displacement amount of the spindle detected by the displacement detecting sensor; and a display controller configured to linearly move a measured value display mark representing a measured value in a display surface of the display device according to variations in the measured value.