Dimension Measuring Instrument External Locking Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dimension measuring instruments face challenges with accessibility of locking mechanisms, which complicates operation and exposes the instruments to environmental pollution, affecting precision and protection against dust, oil, and humidity.

Innovation Solution

A dimension measuring instrument with a mobile carriage and driving device connected by an elastic transmission element, featuring coupling means that can be easily locked or unlocked without exposing the instrument to pollution, and a protective casing to maintain precision and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the locking mechanism is made accessible for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the protective casing must be opened or have additional openings, which exposes the instrument to environmental pollution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of locking mechanismVSAvoidexposure to dust, oil, and humidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling means are nested within the protective casing, with actuation elements accessible through openings in the casing. This allows the locking mechanism to be operated from outside the sealed enclosure while maintaining protection of internal components from environmental pollution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling means act as an intermediary mechanism that transfers the locking action from the external actuation element through the casing wall to the internal measuring carriage, enabling operation without direct access to internal components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the protective casing is sealed to prevent pollution, then the protection against harmful factors is improved, but the locking mechanism becomes inaccessible requiring disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against dust, oil, and humidityVSAvoidaccessibility of locking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling means are nested within the protective casing, with actuation elements accessible through openings in the casing. This allows the locking mechanism to be operated from outside the sealed enclosure while maintaining protection of internal components from environmental pollution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling means act as an intermediary mechanism that transfers the locking action from the external actuation element through the casing wall to the internal measuring carriage, enabling operation without direct access to internal components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the elastic transmission element is used for force absorption, then the reliability is improved, but the locking mechanism becomes more complex requiring coupling means to disengage the elastic element

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce absorption capabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling means automatically engage and disengage the elastic transmission element based on the position and force applied to the measuring carriage, eliminating the need for manual intervention to disengage the elastic element during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling means transition between engaged and disengaged states dynamically based on operational conditions, allowing the elastic transmission element to be automatically disconnected when the measuring carriage reaches certain positions or force thresholds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 faster and easier locking of the measuring carriage while maintaining protection against environmental factors, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements in polluted or humid environments.

Implementation Method 1

a spring system connecting both carriages absorbs, and simultaneously makes it possible to measure, the force acting on the measuring carriage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7434331B2Dimension measuring instrument and height gauge

Publication Date: 2008.10.14 TESA SA(CH)

AI summary

Dimension measuring instrument having a probe moving along a measuring axis. An elastic transmission element allows the probe to move under the action of the measuring force. If necessary, the probe can be coupled rigidly with the instrument, for example to perform profile measurements or tracings. The instrument is entirely protected by a casing from liquid projections and dust, and the probe can be locked without opening the casing or accessing its inside.