Displacement Meter Frame Structure for Thermal Error Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing displacement meter measurement methods fail to adequately address measurement errors caused by thermal deformation of supporting tools due to ambient temperature changes, leading to inaccuracies in measurements.

Innovation Solution

A measurement method using a frame-like supporting member to stabilize displacement meters, reducing thermal deformation by connecting both ends of frame portions in orthogonal directions, thereby minimizing position fluctuations and measurement errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple supporting tool is used to support the two head units, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the supporting tool may thermally deform when ambient temperature changes, leading to measurement error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupporting tool structureVSAvoidmeasurement error

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting tool is divided into multiple linear expansion compensation mechanisms, each consisting of multiple rod-like members connected by rotation members. This segmentation allows the tool to compensate for thermal deformation through the rotational movement of individual segments rather than requiring a completely rigid structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The linear expansion compensation mechanisms change their physical parameters (rotation angles of rod-like members) in response to temperature changes. As temperature varies, the rod-like members rotate to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction, maintaining the overall dimensional stability of the supporting tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If a rigid supporting structure is used to prevent thermal deformation, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement errorVSAvoidsupporting tool structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful effect of thermal expansion into a beneficial mechanism by allowing the rod-like members to rotate in response to temperature changes. This rotational movement compensates for dimensional changes rather than resisting them, maintaining measurement precision while avoiding the need for overly rigid and complex structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting tool transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where rod-like members can rotate to adapt to temperature changes. This dynamic adjustment allows the tool to maintain its functional dimensions despite environmental temperature variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the supporting tool allows thermal deformation, then device complexity is reduced, but the positions of displacement meters fluctuate, increasing measurement error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupporting tool structureVSAvoidposition stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting tool is divided into multiple linear expansion compensation mechanisms, each consisting of multiple rod-like members connected by rotation members. This segmentation allows the tool to compensate for thermal deformation through the rotational movement of individual segments rather than requiring a completely rigid structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The linear expansion compensation mechanisms change their physical parameters (rotation angles of rod-like members) in response to temperature changes. As temperature varies, the rod-like members rotate to accommodate thermal expansion or contraction, maintaining the overall dimensional stability of the supporting tool.

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 method effectively reduces measurement errors due to ambient temperature changes by stabilizing the supporting member, ensuring accurate and stable measurements.

Implementation Method 1

when the ambient temperature changes, there is a fear that the supporting tool may thermally deform and a measurement error may occur

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal deformation: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS12474153B2Measurement method

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A measurement method includes a step of measuring an object to be measured and a reference object by a first measurement unit and a second measurement unit. The first measurement unit has a first displacement meter and a second displacement meter that face each other in a first direction and measure the distance from the object to be measured. The second measurement unit has a third displacement meter and a fourth displacement meter that face each other in the first direction and measure the distance from the reference object. A frame-like supporting member includes a first frame portion supporting the first displacement meter and the third displacement meter, a second frame portion supporting the second displacement meter and the fourth displacement meter, and a third frame portion and a fourth frame portion that connect both end portions of the first frame portion and the second frame portion to each other.