Gauging Probe Handle Load Sensor Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gauging machines with articulated arms face challenges in acquiring continuous sequences of measurement points without manual operation of push-buttons and controlling load, as existing probes either require manual operation or are expensive and prone to thermal errors.
Innovation Solution
A gauging probe with a handle body that can be manually operated to angle and position a gauging stylus, equipped with load sensors on the handle body to ensure automatic acquisition of measurements within a predetermined force range, allowing visual control and avoiding direct contact with the stylus to prevent thermal deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If fixed probes with manual push-button operation are used, then the device complexity is low and cost is reduced, but automation is lost and continuous measurement acquisition cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
A force sensor is introduced as an intermediary element between the operator's hand and the gauging stylus. The sensor detects the contact force when the gauging ball touches the workpiece surface, automatically triggering measurement acquisition without requiring manual push-button operation. This mediator enables automatic measurement while keeping the overall probe structure relatively simple.
2Productivity
If load sensors are applied directly to the gauging stylus or base, then automatic acquisition of measurement sequences is enabled, but the sensors become very expensive and elastic deformations compromise gauging precision
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into distinct functional components: a rigid gauging stylus for precise positioning, a separate force sensor mounted on the handle body for load detection, and a gauging ball for surface contact. This segmentation allows the force sensor to be positioned away from the critical measurement path, preventing elastic deformations from affecting gauging precision while still enabling continuous automatic measurement acquisition.
3Ease of operation
If the operator's hand directly contacts the gauging stylus for positioning, then ease of operation is improved, but thermal deformation from hand heat causes gauging errors
Solution Approach 1:
The handle body serves as an intermediary between the operator's hand and the gauging stylus. The operator grips the handle body for positioning and control, while the force sensor mounted on the handle body detects contact forces. This intermediary structure prevents direct thermal contact between the operator's hand and the precision gauging stylus, eliminating thermal deformation errors while maintaining ease of manual 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
Enables automatic acquisition of continuous measurement sequences while maintaining precision and avoiding thermal errors, reducing costs by not requiring expensive sensors directly on the stylus, and allowing operator control without manual push-button operation.
Implementation Method 1
the handle body (33) is equipped with load sensors sensitive to the force acting between the handle body (33) and the gauging stylus (31)
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A probe for gauging machines with articulated arms comprises a fixed gauging stylus (31), supporting, at its end, a gauging ball, characterised in that it also comprises a handle body (33) which can be manually operated by an operator to push the gauging ball against a surface to be gauged (13), and in that the handle body (33) is equipped with sensors sensitive to the force acting between the gauging ball and the surface to be gauged and in that when the force is within a predetermined range of values, measurement acquisition is enabled.