Inter-shaft Distance Measuring Device with Elastic Pressing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inter-shaft distance measuring devices face challenges in accurately measuring the distance between moving shafts, especially when there is limited space around the shafts, as they require a larger device with expanded light emission and reception ranges to track changes in inter-shaft distance, and manual methods like calipers are prone to instability due to human error.
Innovation Solution
An inter-shaft distance measuring device with first and second measuring elements in contact with the shafts, a moving mechanism using an elastic member to separate these elements, and a measurer to track the distance change, allowing for stable and accurate measurement even in confined spaces by maintaining a pressing force to widen the shaft interval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If optical measuring means such as laser length measuring device is used, then measurement can be performed without manual intervention, but the device requires expanded light emission and reception ranges to track shaft movement which makes the device larger and requires more space around the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measuring systems with a mechanical measuring system. The measuring device includes a measuring element that mechanically contacts the shaft and a moving mechanism that transmits motion from the shaft to the measuring element, enabling automated measurement without requiring expanded optical ranges or additional space around the shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a measuring element as an intermediary between the shaft and the measurement system. This measuring element contacts the shaft and converts its position changes into mechanical motion that can be measured by the moving mechanism, eliminating the need for direct optical access to the shaft surface.
2Volume of moving object
If hand-held measurer such as caliper gauge is used, then device size is reduced, but measurement values are unstable because accuracy depends on human skill and manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service measurement system where the measuring element automatically contacts the shaft and the moving mechanism autonomously transmits motion information to the measurement system. This eliminates dependence on human skill and manual operation, providing stable and reliable measurement values while maintaining a compact device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the measuring element continuously monitors the shaft position and feeds this information back to the measurement system through the moving mechanism. This closed-loop system ensures consistent and stable measurement values by automatically adapting to shaft movement without human intervention.
3Area of stationary object
If measuring device is placed in confined space around shaft, then space requirement is reduced, but it becomes difficult to track change in inter-shaft distance when shaft moves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic measuring system where the measuring element and moving mechanism can adapt to shaft movement within the confined space. The measuring element maintains contact with the shaft while the moving mechanism dynamically adjusts to track position changes, enabling the device to operate in tight spaces while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the measurement function into separate segments: the measuring element that contacts the shaft, the moving mechanism that transmits motion, and the measurement system that processes data. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the overall system to operate in confined spaces while accurately tracking shaft movement.
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 stable and accurate measurement of inter-shaft distance changes, ensuring precise tracking and maintaining measurement stability even when space is limited, and allows for continuous operation in environments like image forming apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a moving mechanism that includes an elastic member and that holds the first measuring element and the second measuring element so as to move the first measuring element and the second measuring element relatively to each other and adds a force in opposite directions in which the first measuring element and the second measuring element are separated from each other by an elastic force of the elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an inter-shaft distance measuring device for measuring a distance between two shafts or an amount of a change in the distance that includes: measuring elements that are respectively in contact with peripheral surfaces of the two shafts at a time of measurement and that are used as measurement references; a moving mechanism that includes an elastic member and that holds the measuring elements to move the measuring elements relatively and adds a force in opposite directions separating the measuring elements by an elastic force of the elastic member; and a measurer that measures the change in the distance between the measuring elements. In a state at the time of the measurement, the measuring elements between the two shafts add a pressing force by the moving mechanism respectively to the two shafts in directions widening the distance, and the state at the time of the measurement is maintainable.