Surface Pressure Probe with Flush Tip for Compressed Target Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface pressure measuring devices are not suitable for measuring extremely small local surface pressures due to limitations in probe size and position resolution, and they cannot accurately measure surface pressure when a target is compressed to a predetermined thickness.
Innovation Solution
A surface pressure measuring device comprising an abutting plate with a hole, a first actuator to apply a predetermined load or compress the target, a probe with a small tip and thicker intermediate section, a load sensor, and a controller to calculate surface pressure, allowing for precise measurement of local surface pressures with high position resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a plurality of probes are densely disposed in a two-dimensional array to measure surface pressure distribution at high resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the measurement function from a multi-probe array and concentrates it into a single probe that moves to different positions. The probe array concept is replaced by a single probe that can be positioned at various locations on the target surface, thereby measuring surface pressure distribution without requiring multiple probes simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the probe position dynamic rather than static. The probe moves to different positions on the target surface to measure surface pressure at multiple locations sequentially. This dynamic approach replaces the static multi-probe array, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
2Measurement precision
If the probe tip surface area is reduced to measure extremely small local surface pressure, then measurement precision is improved, but the probe becomes more fragile and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by making only the probe tip surface have the small measurement area, while the probe body maintains a larger cross-section for structural strength. The tip surface area is specifically optimized for precise local pressure measurement, while the intermediate section provides mechanical support
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the probe, specifically creating a tip surface with area of 0.01 mm² or less for precise measurement, while the intermediate section has a larger cross-sectional area to provide structural strength. This parameter differentiation resolves the contradiction between small measurement area and structural integrity
3Device complexity
If a single probe is used instead of multiple probes, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to measure local surface pressure under compression is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a single probe that can dynamically move to different positions on the target surface. This allows the probe to measure local surface pressure at multiple locations sequentially, providing the functionality of multiple probes while maintaining the simplicity of a single probe structure
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement process is segmented into multiple discrete position measurements. The single probe measures surface pressure at different locations by moving to each position, effectively dividing the measurement task into segments that are executed sequentially rather than simultaneously
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 extremely small local surface pressures and surface pressure distributions with high precision, reducing the need for densely disposed probes and improving measurement accuracy by maintaining the tip surface flush with the abutting surface.
Implementation Method 1
a load sensor configured to measure a load applied to the probe
Implementation Method 2
a first actuator configured to cause the target to abut the abutting surface with a predetermined load
Data Source
AI summary
A surface pressure measuring device includes an abutting plate, a lift, a probe, a piezo actuator and a controller. A pinhole is formed in the abutting plate at an abutting surface that abuts a target. The lift causes the target to abut the abutting surface such that the target is compressed to a predetermined thickness. The probe is inserted through the pinhole to be movable in an axial direction of the pinhole. The piezo actuator holds a state in which a tip surface is flush with the abutting surface as the probe resists a repulsive force received from the target while the lift causes the target to abut the abutting surface. The controller calculates a local surface pressure of the target from a load applied to the probe and an area of the tip surface of the probe.