Length Measuring Device Thermal Decoupling Fastening
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing length measuring devices face challenges in achieving high measurement accuracy and thermal stability due to opposing forces caused by elastic seals, which compromise mechanical decoupling and measurement precision, especially when measuring long distances.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a fastening element with a length compensation element, such as flexure joints, that allows relative movement between sections, decoupling the fastening element from the hollow profile, and a scale fixed exclusively on the fastening element for reduced friction and improved thermal stability, enabling precise and reproducible position measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If elastic seals are used to connect hollow profiles, then mechanical decoupling is achieved, but opposing forces act on the fastening element reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful opposing forces by completely decoupling the fastening element from the hollow profile through which the scale passes. The fastening element is now independent of the hollow profile's thermal expansion and mechanical movements, eliminating the source of measurement errors while preserving the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element is divided into functionally independent sections: a first section that stationary fixes the scale, and a second section that connects to the hollow profile. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, enabling both secure scale fixation and thermal decoupling.
2Ease of manufacture
If the scale is fixed on the hollow profile, then mounting is simplified, but friction and thermal expansion affect measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element acts as an intermediary between the scale and the hollow profile. It provides a stable mounting surface for the scale while being thermally decoupled from the hollow profile, thus mediating between the requirements of secure fixation and thermal stability without direct contact between scale and hollow profile.
3Ease of manufacture
If the hollow profile material has high thermal expansion, then ease of manufacture is improved, but opposing forces during thermal expansion reduce measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening element from the thermal expansion cycle of the hollow profile. By passing through the hollow profile rather than being fixed to it, the fastening element is removed from the thermal interaction, allowing common materials like aluminum to be used without compromising measurement thermal stability.
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
This solution enhances measurement accuracy and thermal stability by eliminating opposing forces, allowing for high vibration resistance and easy handling, while optimizing the sealing and fastening functions separately, thus improving the overall performance of the length measuring device.
Implementation Method 1
Each of these flexural joints allows a relative movement between the first section and the second section by bending and is designed as a connecting area between the first and the second section with reduced flexural rigidity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an encapsulated length measuring device in which a scale (3) is protected within a hollow profile (4). A fastening element (10) is provided to form a reference point. This fastening element (10) secures the scale (3) in place and can also be fixed to an object (1) to be measured. Furthermore, the fastening element (10) has at least one length compensation element by which it is slidably attached to the hollow profile (4) in the measuring direction X. The at least one length compensation element is preferably designed as an arrangement of solid hinges (131, 132, 133, 134) that permit only compensation movement in the measuring direction X.