Coordinate Measuring Device With Inverted Probe And Recessed Base Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coordinate measuring machines are oversized and complex, requiring significant space and multiple mechanical mounts for varying workpieces, especially when measuring small or irregularly shaped objects.
Innovation Solution
A coordinate measuring device with a probe arranged below the base plate, allowing objects to be measured directly on the base plate without a mount, using a recess for the probe to touch the object from below, enabling flexible measurement of different objects with reduced space requirements and simplified structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional coordinate measuring machines are used to measure small objects, then measurement capability is provided, but device size and space requirements become excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional measurement approach by positioning the probe below the base plate instead of above it. This allows the measuring tip to access the workpiece from underneath through a recess in the base plate, enabling compact device design while maintaining measurement capability for small objects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of measurement access by moving the probe from a vertical approach (from above) to a horizontal approach (from below through recess). This dimensional change allows the measuring system to be compact while still accessing all surfaces of small workpieces
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mechanical mounts are provided for different workpiece shapes, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is designed with a recess that serves multiple functions: it supports various workpiece shapes, allows probe access from below, and eliminates the need for separate mechanical mounts. This universal design enables the same base plate structure to handle different workpiece geometries without adding complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the mounting function from separate mechanical mounts and integrates it into the base plate itself. The recess in the base plate directly supports the workpiece while allowing probe access, removing the need for additional mounting components and simplifying the overall device structure
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 efficient measurement of small parts and complex shapes without the need for multiple mounts, reducing device size and complexity while allowing precise three-dimensional measurement.
Implementation Method 1
the probe body (19) can be inserted into the object to be measured from below via the recess (23) in the base plate (11)
Implementation Method 2
it being possible to determine whether a wall of the object has been reached by means of strain gauges or capacitive sensors
Implementation Method 3
it being possible to determine whether a wall of the object has been reached by means of strain gauges or capacitive sensors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2e
Figure 3
AI summary
The apparatus has a base plate (11) for retaining a measuring object i.e. workpiece (30), and a probe head moved relative to the object by an actuator for tangentially contacting the object. The probe head carries an elongated palpation body (19) in a retainer, where front end of the palpation body is formed as a palpation ball (21) for contacting with the object. A recess is provided in the base plate for carrying sections of the palpation body. The base plate includes a level contact surface (24) for direct contacting the object.