Measuring Probe Gravitational Displacement Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional measuring probes face challenges in achieving high measurement accuracy while maintaining a low cost, due to complex detection processes and high costs associated with detectors required for precise displacement detection in three-dimensional measurements.

Innovation Solution

The measuring probe incorporates an interference optical system for phase shift detection of interference fringes, a balancing mechanism to maintain the stylus in balance, and diaphragm structures with viscous materials to dampen vibrations, allowing for accurate displacement detection with a simpler and cost-effective setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a detector that extracts only displacement component in one direction is employed to achieve high measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddetection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical displacement detectors with a gravitational field-based detection system. By utilizing the natural gravitational force acting on the stylus mass, the system determines position through gravitational acceleration measurements rather than complex mechanical sensing, thereby simplifying the detection process while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary computational approach where the microcomputer processes gravitational acceleration data to derive position information. This intermediary computation layer transforms raw gravitational measurements into meaningful position data, enabling accurate displacement detection without requiring complex mechanical detectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a detector that extracts only displacement component in one direction is employed to achieve high measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive specialized displacement detectors with standard gravitational sensing components. By using the readily available gravitational field and simple acceleration sensors instead of complex mechanical detectors, the system achieves the same measurement accuracy at a lower cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the Earth's gravitational field as a free, naturally available resource for measurement. The gravitational force acting on the stylus mass provides the measurement reference without requiring additional expensive equipment, enabling cost-effective high-precision measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the moving member is displaced while being tilted with respect to the Z direction by the rotating member, then three-dimensional measurement capability is achieved, but detection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional measurement capabilityVSAvoiddetection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical detectors that would be needed to resolve three displacement components with a gravitational field-based system. By measuring gravitational acceleration and using computational processing, the system can determine three-dimensional position from the motion of the rotating member and moving member combination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback through microcomputer processing of gravitational acceleration data. The system continuously processes the gravitational measurements and uses this feedback to calculate and determine the three-dimensional position of the contact part, enabling versatile measurement capability through computational rather than mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 configuration ensures high measurement accuracy while reducing costs by simplifying the detection process and enhancing the sensitivity of displacement detection, allowing for precise positioning and reduced noise.

Implementation Method 1

the interference optical system including an interference light source, a reference mirror for reflecting light from the interference light source, and a target mirror disposed in the moving member for reflecting light from the interference light source, the interference optical system capable of causing interference of reflected light from the reference mirror and the target mirror to generate a plurality of interference fringes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

diaphragm structures with viscous materials to dampen vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3064890B2Measuring probe
Publication Date: 2020.12.16 MITUTOYO CORP
  • EP3064890B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3064890B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3064890B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A measuring probe (300) includes a stylus(306) having a contact part(348) to be in contact with an object(W) to be measured, an axial motion mechanism(310) having a moving member(312) that allows the contact part(348) to move in an axial direction(O), and a rotary motion mechanism(334) having a rotating member(RP) that allows the contact part(348) to move along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction(O) by means of rotary motion. The measuring probe (300) includes a main body housing(308) that supports the axial motion mechanism(310), a module housing(330) that supports the rotary motion mechanism(334), and a displacement detector(328) supported by the main body housing(308) for detecting displacement of the moving member(312). The measuring probe (300) with this configuration ensures high measurement accuracy while keeping a low cost.