Electronic Gage Probe Using Signal Reflection for Wear-Free Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing length measurement gage apparatus rely on internal mechanical components that require physical movement and contact, leading to fatigue, mechanical wear, and increased error likelihood.
Innovation Solution
A gage apparatus comprising a probe with aligned transmitters and receivers, a processor, and memory, which determines length by transmitting signals and measuring reflections, eliminating the need for mechanical compression and contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical components with physical movement and contact are used for measurement, then the measurement function can be achieved, but fatigue, mechanical wear, and measurement errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement components with an electronic system consisting of transmitters, receivers, and signal processing circuitry. The measurement is achieved through electromagnetic signal transmission and reflection detection rather than mechanical contact, eliminating wear and fatigue associated with mechanical parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the mechanical compression and contact components from the measurement system. By using electronic signals to probe and measure the target object, the system removes the sources of mechanical wear and human fatigue while maintaining measurement functionality.
2Ease of operation
If manual compression is applied to power the measuring mechanism, then the measurement can be performed, but human fatigue and error likelihood increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic measurement system is self-powered through its internal circuitry that generates and processes electrical signals. The transmitters emit signals and the receivers detect reflections autonomously, with the processor automatically calculating measurements, eliminating the need for manual compression or human intervention in the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical compression is replaced with an electronic signal-based measurement system that requires no physical force application by the user. The system operates electronically to transmit signals, detect reflections, and compute measurements, thereby eliminating human fatigue and variability in operation.
3Reliability
If mechanical contact and movement are required for measurement, then the measurement function is achieved, but mechanical wear and breakdown occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical moving parts with solid-state electronic components. The measurement function is achieved through electromagnetic field interaction rather than mechanical contact, eliminating wear and breakdown while maintaining functional capability. The electronic system consists of transmitters, receivers, and processing circuitry with no moving parts.
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
This solution reduces fatigue, mechanical wear, and measurement errors by using electronic signal reflection to accurately determine lengths without manual compression, enhancing precision and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
signals transmitted by the plurality of transmitters and reflected off the structure
Data Source
AI summary
A gage apparatus includes a probe, a processor, and a memory. The probe includes a plurality of transmitters and a plurality of receivers both aligned in an axial direction along the probe. The processor is in electronic communication with the plurality of transmitters and the plurality of receivers. The memory is in electronic communication with the processor. The memory includes programming code for execution by the processor. The programming code is configured to determine a length of a structure disposed adjacent to the probe based on which of the plurality of receivers receive signals transmitted by the plurality of transmitters and reflected off the structure.