Extendable Support Body for Microstructure Measuring Device Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microstructure and roughness measuring devices face challenges in maintaining a stable contact force during measurements, leading to unwanted measured value drift and requiring complex setups that are limited to large bores, with existing locking mechanisms causing space and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a control mechanism to maintain a constant contact force using a rigid, extendable support body or an inflatable, flexible container to lock the measuring device part relative to the bore wall, preventing drift and optimizing space usage, with optional decoupling from suspension for precise measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to secure the measuring device part in the bore, then measurement stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is designed to be extendable and retractable, transitioning between a retracted state (for insertion and removal) and an extended state (for locking and measurement). This dynamic capability allows a single component to replace complex locking mechanisms while maintaining measurement stability through controlled extension that engages the bore wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential locking function from complex mechanical locking mechanisms and implements it through a simplified extendable support body that uses minimal structural elements to achieve the same stabilizing effect, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a rigid support body is used to lock the measuring device, then measurement precision is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support body transitions between retracted and extended states, occupying minimal space during insertion/removal and only expanding to the necessary volume when locking is required. This dynamic volume adjustment allows rigid support functionality while minimizing overall space requirements for the measuring device.
Solution Approach 2:
The extendable support body can be nested within the measuring device housing when retracted, allowing the rigid support structure to be contained within a compact form factor, thereby reducing the overall volume of the moving object while maintaining measurement precision capability.
3Reliability
If contact force is applied to lock the measuring device in the bore, then measurement stability is improved, but risk of workpiece damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the extension state of the support body and regulates the contact force applied to the bore wall, ensuring that sufficient force is applied for stable measurement while preventing excessive force that could damage the workpiece. This feedback control balances measurement stability with workpiece protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the contact force parameter based on measurement requirements and bore characteristics, applying only the necessary force for stability rather than maximum force, thereby reducing the risk of workpiece damage while maintaining adequate measurement stability.
4Measurement precision
If the measuring device is decoupled from suspension during measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The support body automatically engages with the bore wall when extended, self-regulating the decoupling from suspension without requiring manual intervention. The control unit manages the extension and locking sequence, making the precision-enhancing decoupling process automatic rather than manual, thereby maintaining ease of operation.
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 approach ensures stable data acquisition by maintaining a consistent contact force, preventing drift and minimizing space requirements, making it suitable for smaller bores and automated processes without damaging the workpiece.
Implementation Method 1
the measuring device part containing the measuring sensor is inflated by inflating an inflatable, flexible container attached to the microstructure and/or roughness measuring device in the bore
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for temporarily locking a measuring device part, containing a measuring sensor, of a microstructure and/or roughness measuring device in a borehole of a measurement object that is delimited by a borehole wall (1). The invention also relates to a microstructure and/or roughness measuring device for carrying out the method according to the invention. The invention also relates to an assembly of a microstructure and/or roughness measuring device according to the invention and a measurement object having a borehole delimited by a borehole wall (1).