Measuring Probe Interchangeable Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional three-dimensional measuring machines face challenges in achieving adequate detection sensitivity and restoring force for styluses while maintaining a low cost, as they require multiple axial and rotary motion mechanisms tailored to specific styluses, leading to high expenses and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A measuring probe design that incorporates a probe main body with either the axial or rotary motion mechanism and a detachable probe module with the other mechanism, allowing for interchangeable modules to accommodate different styluses, with adjustable balancing members for optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple axial and rotary motion mechanisms are prepared for different styluses, then adequate detection sensitivity and restoring force are achieved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe head is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple styluses with different characteristics through interchangeable mounting. The axial and rotary motion mechanisms are configured to work effectively with various stylus types (different masses and lengths) without requiring separate mechanisms for each stylus, achieving multi-functionality while controlling complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts parameters such as spring constants of elastic elements and balancing weights to optimize performance for different stylus configurations. By changing these parameters within a universal mechanism design, the system adapts to different stylus characteristics without requiring completely different motion mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If multiple axial and rotary motion mechanisms are prepared for different styluses, then adequate restoring force is achieved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverestoring forceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single probe head design serves multiple stylus types through interchangeable mounting interfaces. The restoring force mechanism (elastic elements and springs) is designed with adjustable parameters that can be tuned for different stylus masses and characteristics, eliminating the need for multiple specialized motion mechanisms while maintaining adequate restoring force

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The motion mechanisms incorporate adjustable and adaptable elements such as replaceable elastic elements with different spring constants and adjustable balancing weights. This dynamic configuration allows the same physical mechanism to provide appropriate restoring force for various stylus types by changing its parameters rather than using entirely different mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If one axial motion mechanism and one rotary motion mechanism are employed for multiple styluses, then cost is reduced, but adequate detection sensitivity and restoring force cannot be obtained for all styluses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoiddetection sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The universal motion mechanisms include adjustable parameters such as spring constants, damping coefficients, and balancing weights that can be modified to optimize detection sensitivity for different stylus types. This allows a single mechanism design to achieve adequate sensitivity across multiple stylus configurations through parameter adjustment rather than requiring multiple specialized mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If one axial motion mechanism and one rotary motion mechanism are employed for multiple styluses, then cost is reduced, but adequate restoring force cannot be obtained for all styluses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidrestoring force
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The restoring force mechanism incorporates replaceable elastic elements with different spring constants and adjustable balancing weights, allowing the same physical mechanism to provide appropriate restoring force for various stylus masses and lengths. This parameter adjustability enables a single mechanism design to serve multiple stylus types effectively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design enables the measuring probe to achieve adequate detection sensitivity and restoring force for various styluses at a lower cost by allowing interchangeable modules and adjustable balancing, simplifying the selection of motion mechanisms and reducing the need for multiple specialized components.

Implementation Method 1

a moving member that allows the contact part to move in an axial direction O of the measuring probe by means of elastic deformation of an elastic element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a rotating member that allows the contact part to move along a surface perpendicular to the Z direction by means of rotary motion... a diaphragm structure that allows the rotating member to move along an XY direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3064892B1Measuring probe
Publication Date: 2017.10.04 MITUTOYO CORP
  • EP3064892B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3064892B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3064892B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A measuring probe (300) includes a stylus(300) 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 probe main body (302) that incorporates the axial motion mechanism (310), and a probe module(304) that is supported by the probe main body (302), incorporates the rotary motion mechanism (334), and supports the stylus(306). The probe main body (302) and the probe module (304) are detachably coupled to each other with a pair of rollers (312F) and a ball (332B) capable of positioning to each other. This allows adequate detection sensitivity and a restoring force suitable for the stylus (306) to be obtained at a low cost.