Multi-Receptacle Holder for Reference Standard Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current measurement systems face challenges in the complex and time-consuming replacement of sensitive reference standards, which leads to cost and accessibility issues due to their attachment method, affecting the reliability and efficiency of calibration processes.

Innovation Solution

A holder with multiple detachable receptacles for reference standards, allowing for easy replacement and flexible orientation, along with a calibration jig for precise positioning, facilitates simplified calibration and reduced wear on standards by protecting them from damage and dust.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If reference standards are securely attached in pockets or under hoods to protect them, then protection against dirtying and damage is improved, but replaceability becomes very complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against dirtying and damageVSAvoidreplaceability of reference standards
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into multiple independent receptacles, each capable of holding a reference standard separately. This segmentation allows individual replacement of standards without affecting others, resolving the contradiction between protection and replaceability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder design transitions from fixed secure attachment to a dynamic system where receptacles can easily open and close. This allows the reference standards to be protected during measurement while enabling quick replacement when needed, balancing protection with ease of replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If reference standards are arranged in space-saving locations near the interchange cartridge, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility to the reference standard becomes restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidaccessibility to reference standard
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holder extends the attachment location away from the measurement head along the measurement path, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the measurement system. This provides easy accessibility while maintaining compact overall design, resolving the space versus accessibility contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple reference standards are stored in the measurement system, then calibration flexibility is improved, but space consumption and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration flexibilityVSAvoidholder structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed as a universal multi-functional component that can accommodate different types of reference standards through standardized receptacles. This allows multiple standards to be stored without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same holder structure serves multiple calibration purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11060891B2Holder for multiple reference standards for calibrating a measurement system
Publication Date: 2021.07.13 CARL ZEISS INDUSTRIELLE MESSTECHNIKE GMBH
  • US11060891B2 patent drawing
  • US11060891B2 patent drawing
  • US11060891B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A holder is configured to hold multiple reference standards for calibrating a measurement system. The holder includes a first receptacle that is configured to receive a first reference standard. The holder includes a second receptacle that is configured to receive a second reference standard. The holder includes a calibration jig that is configured to facilitate a bijective determination of a position and orientation of the holder in space.