Surface Property Measuring Apparatus with Dynamic Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface property measuring apparatuses face issues where the stylus loses contact with the measured surface due to excessive inclination angles, leading to potential collisions and damage when the measuring arm falls, causing measurement inaccuracies and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A surface property measuring apparatus with a control unit that monitors displacement speed and applies feedback to adjust the measuring force direction and magnitude, preventing the measuring arm from falling by generating an upward force when the displacement speed exceeds a threshold, ensuring continuous contact with the measured surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the measuring arm is allowed to follow the measured surface at high inclination angles, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the measuring arm loses contact with the surface and causes collision damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the displacement speed of the measuring arm and dynamically adjusts the measuring force based on real-time feedback. When the displacement speed exceeds a predetermined threshold (indicating the measuring arm is falling), the control unit increases the measuring force to restore contact, thereby preventing collision damage while maintaining measurement coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring force is dynamically adjusted during measurement based on the displacement speed of the measuring arm. The system transitions from a static measuring force to a dynamic one that adapts to changing surface conditions, allowing the measuring arm to maintain contact even at high inclination angles
2Reliability
If the measuring force is increased to prevent stylus collision, then the safety is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit provides precise feedback control by continuously monitoring displacement speed and adjusting the measuring force accordingly. This prevents excessive force application while ensuring collision prevention, as the force is only increased when and where needed based on real-time conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measuring force parameter dynamically based on displacement speed thresholds. By using multiple thresholds (first threshold for warning, second threshold for collision prevention), the system achieves precise control that maintains measurement accuracy while preventing damage
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
Prevents accidents by maintaining contact with the measured surface even at high inclination angles, enhancing measurement accuracy and safety by controlling the measuring force effectively.
Implementation Method 1
A voice coil motor 20 is provided at a proximal end portion (a right end portion in Fig. 9) of the measuring arm 10. When the voice coil motor 20 is energized, the measuring arm 10 is biased in an arc direction (here, either of upward and downward directions) about the rotating shaft 13.
Implementation Method 2
a displacement detector which detects a displacement of the measuring arm as a result of the measuring arm having made an arc-like movement
Implementation Method 3
the measuring force control module applies a feedback to the voice coil motor 20 when the displacement speed exceeds a predetermined threshold so as to generate therein a force in a direction in which the distal end of the measuring arm 10 is raised upwards
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A surface property measuring apparatus includes a control unit (300), configured to control operations of a roughness measuring instrument (230) and a relative moving mechanism (250), including: a measuring force command module (320) configured to output a measuring command; and a measuring force control module (400) configured to control the direction and magnitude of the measuring force, wherein the measuring force control module (400) instructs a measuring force application unit of the roughness measuring instrument (230) to generate therein the measuring force whose magnitude and direction are designated by the measuring force command when a displacement speed of a measuring arm is equal to or slower than a predetermined threshold, and the measuring force control module (400) instructs the measuring force application unit to generate therein a force in a direction in which the distal end of the measuring arm is raised upwards when the displacement speed of the measuring arm exceeds the predetermined threshold.