Displacement Detector Merging Differential Transformer and Scale Mechanisms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current displacement detectors for surface texture and contour measurement lack a cost-effective and compact solution that provides high resolution and linearity in a wide measurement range, with existing expensive and large-sized detectors failing to meet both requirements.

Innovation Solution

A contour and surface texture measuring instrument that combines a differential transformer-type detection mechanism and a scale-type detection mechanism to detect displacement, allowing for selection of appropriate detection signals based on measurement content and correcting linearity issues using a correction circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a differential transformer-type detection mechanism is used for surface texture measurement, then high resolution and high-speed response are achieved, but linearity in wide detection range deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveresolutionVSAvoidlinearity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a differential transformer-type detection mechanism (for high resolution) with a scale-type detection mechanism (for high linearity) into a single displacement detector. Both mechanisms detect the stylus displacement simultaneously, and the measurement control unit selects or combines their outputs based on measurement requirements, thereby achieving both high resolution and high linearity in one device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If a scale-type detection mechanism is used for contour measurement, then linearity in wide detection range is achieved, but resolution and response speed deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelinearityVSAvoidresolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges a differential transformer-type detection mechanism (providing high resolution) with a scale-type detection mechanism (providing high linearity) into a unified displacement detector. This allows the system to achieve both high resolution for surface texture measurement and high linearity for contour measurement using the same hardware platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate measurement instruments are used for surface texture and contour measurement, then measurement specificity is maintained, but device complexity and measurement time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement specificityVSAvoidinstrument configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal measuring instrument that can perform both surface texture measurement and contour measurement using a single device. The measurement control unit selectively activates the appropriate detection mechanism (differential transformer-type for surface texture, scale-type for contour) or combines them based on the measurement requirements, eliminating the need for separate instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If expensive and large-sized displacement detectors are used to achieve both high resolution and linearity, then measurement accuracy is improved, but cost and device size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccuracyVSAvoiddetector size and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single expensive large-sized detector to achieve both high resolution and linearity, the patent combines two smaller, more affordable detection mechanisms (differential transformer-type and scale-type) into one unified detector. This approach achieves the desired measurement accuracy while reducing overall device cost and size compared to using a single high-performance detector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simultaneous measurement of surface texture and contour with high resolution and linearity across a wide range, reducing the need for frequent calibration and maintaining accuracy over time.

Implementation Method 1

a differential transformer-type detection mechanism and a scale-type detection mechanism attached to the arm or a position interlocked with the arm and configured to detect the displacement of the probe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential transformer: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScale-type detection:

Data Source

PatentUS9074865B2Contour and surface texture measuring instrument and contour and surface texture measuring method

Publication Date: 2015.07.07 TOKYO SEIMITSU CO LTD

AI summary

A contour and surface texture measuring instrument for measuring a contour and surface texture of a surface of a work, which generates a displacement signal having a high resolution and high linearity in a wide measurement range is disclosed, the contour and surface texture measuring instrument having a measurement part having a stylus configured to come into contact with the surface of the work and to change its position vertically, a feed mechanism configured to move the work with respect to the stylus, an arm having the measurement part at one end and configured to transfer a displacement of the stylus to rotate with a pivot, and a differential transformer-type measuring mechanism and a scale-type measuring mechanism attached to the arm or to a position interlocked with the arm and configured to detect a displacement of the stylus.