Mechanical Cumulative Displacement Gauge With Dual-Rack Pinion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing displacement display devices require complex configurations and electric power for measuring cumulative displacement, making them impractical in locations without a reliable power source.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical-type cumulative displacement gauge using a rack-and-pinion mechanism with differently shaped tooth surfaces and inclined teeth to convert linear displacement into a single-direction rotation, allowing for mechanical measurement without power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a mechanical displacement display device is used, then no electric power is required, but the configuration becomes complex due to multiple conversion mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate racks (first rack and second rack) with different tooth configurations, allowing each rack to handle one direction of movement independently. This segmentation enables the pinion to rotate in a single cumulative direction without requiring complex conversion mechanisms, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining power-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first rack and second rack are designed with asymmetric tooth surfaces - the first rack has tooth surfaces suited for one direction while the second rack has tooth surfaces suited for the opposite direction. This asymmetry allows each rack to engage the pinion only during its specific displacement direction, enabling unidirectional cumulative measurement without complex conversion mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If electric power is used for measurement, then the structure can be simpler, but the device cannot operate in locations without a reliable power source
Solution Approach 1:
The cumulative displacement gauge is designed to be self-powered through pure mechanical means. The relative displacement between the first member and second member directly drives the pinion rotation through the rack mechanisms, eliminating the need for external power sources while maintaining structural simplicity and enabling operation in remote locations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple conversion mechanisms are used to measure displacement, then measurement can be achieved, but the number of parts increases and maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the unnecessary intermediate conversion mechanisms from traditional displacement measurement devices. By using two racks with different tooth configurations that directly engage the pinion, the device achieves cumulative displacement measurement without requiring forward/reverse rotative movement conversions, thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying maintenance.
4Device complexity
If a single pinion rotates in both directions, then the structure is simpler, but cumulative displacement cannot be accurately measured
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two racks based on the direction of displacement. The position control member automatically engages the appropriate rack (first or second) depending on whether the displacement is in the positive or negative direction, allowing the pinion to always rotate in the same cumulative direction and accurately measure total displacement while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 accurate measurement of cumulative displacement without electric power, simplifying the structure and reducing maintenance needs, suitable for locations without a commercial power source.
Implementation Method 1
A cumulative displacement gauge according to the present invention is a cumulative displacement gauge for measuring a cumulative displacement amount of a second member (5) relative to a first member (7). The cumulative displacement gauge includes a first rack (20) attached to the second member (5) and extending in a displacement direction in which the second member (5) displaces, and a second rack (21) attached to the second member (5) with having a predetermined distance from the first rack (20) and extending in the displacement direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A cumulative displacement gauge measuring the amount of cumulative displacement of a second member relative to a first member, and comprising: a first rack that is attached to the second member and extends in the direction of displacement of the second member; a second rack that is attached to the second member at a prescribed distance from the first rack and extends in the direction of displacement of the second member; a pinion that is located between the first rack and the second rack and is rotatably supported by the first member; a location control member the controls the locations of the first rack and the second rack such that when the first rack has been displaced in a first direction, the first rack meshes with the pinion and the second rack is distanced from the pinion, and when the second rack has been displaced in a second direction, the second rack meshes with the pinion and the first rack is distanced from the pinion; and an output member that outputs the amount of cumulative displacement, which is measured from the amount of rotation of the pinion.