Floating-Joint Bore Gauge for Automated Hole Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inside-diameter measuring devices require manual operation, are expensive, and have limited measurement repeatability and range, necessitating a need for an inexpensive, easy-to-use, and automated solution.
Innovation Solution
An inside-diameter measuring unit with a floating joint mechanism that allows relative translation and rotation of the measuring part with respect to a support frame, incorporating a flexible body and translation-allowing mechanisms, along with an electric drive unit for automated measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual inside-diameter measuring devices are used, then measurement can be performed with simple structure, but manual operation is required and measurement efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device automatically performs measurement without manual intervention. The contact point moves forward and backward automatically, and the floating joint mechanism autonomously adjusts the measuring part's position and orientation, eliminating the need for manual centering and positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system that controls the contact point movement and floating joint mechanism, substituting human operation with an automated control system while maintaining the mechanical measurement principle.
2Extent of automation
If air micrometer is used to automate measurement, then measurement automation is achieved, but device cost is very high and requires air compressor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple electric drive unit and floating joint mechanism instead of expensive air micrometer components, achieving automation with a more cost-effective and simpler mechanical structure that does not require external air compressors or complex pneumatic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex air compressor system from the measurement device, replacing it with a simplified electric drive mechanism and floating joint structure that achieves the same automation function with reduced complexity and lower cost.
3Extent of automation
If air micrometer is used, then measurement automation is achieved, but measurement repeatability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The floating joint mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the measuring part to automatically adapt its position and orientation during measurement. This dynamic adjustment improves measurement repeatability by compensating for variations in hole position and orientation without limiting the automation extent.
4Extent of automation
If air micrometer is used, then measurement automation is achieved, but measurement range is extremely short
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into a movable contact point and a floating joint mechanism, allowing independent control of measurement depth and position adjustment. This segmentation enables extended measurement range while maintaining automation, as the contact point can traverse longer distances without compromising automated measurement capability.
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 automated, cost-effective, and precise measurement of hole diameters with improved measurement range and repeatability, reducing manual effort and equipment costs.
Implementation Method 1
the rotation-allowing mechanism part includes a flexible body configured to allow deformation in a direction in which the inside-diameter measuring part is inclined
Implementation Method 2
the translation-allowing mechanism part includes a translation body configured to allow translation of the inside-diameter measuring part in a direction intersecting the cylinder axis of the cylinder case part
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an inside-diameter measuring unit capable of automating inside-diameter measurement and a control method for automatic inside-diameter measurement. An inside-diameter measuring part is supported by a support frame part via a floating joint part. The floating joint part includes a rotation-allowing mechanism part and a translation-allowing mechanism part. A measuring head part of the inside-diameter measuring part is inserted into a hole by a robot arm part. The inside-diameter measuring part adjusts its position and posture autonomously by the reaction force when a contact point pushes against the inner wall of the hole to align the axis of the inside-diameter measuring part with the axis of the hole. An electric inside-diameter measuring unit can automatically measure the inside diameter of a hole.