Measuring Stand Damping for Gentle Probe Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring stands for determining the thickness of thin layers face challenges in gently placing the measuring probe on the object and efficiently transitioning between measurement tasks, leading to reduced productivity due to complex adjustment requirements and potential surface damage.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves mechanical damping to reduce the traversing speed of the measuring probe before reaching the measuring position, allowing for a presettable speed reduction and gentle placement, along with a freewheel mechanism that decouples the drive device from the lifting movement, enabling quick setup for new measurements. This is achieved through a damping range determined by the position of the sensor and limit switches, with optional adjustment of the damping area for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the measuring probe is moved at high speed to the measuring position, then productivity is improved, but the measuring probe may damage the object surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by dividing the probe movement into distinct phases: rapid traverse mode for most of the journey and crawling speed mode near the measuring position. The control unit automatically switches between these speed modes based on the probe's position relative to the measuring point, allowing high-speed travel followed by a controlled deceleration phase that prevents surface damage while maintaining overall productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the drive device's operating state variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the drive device between two operating states: a first state for rapid traverse and a second state for crawling speed. This dynamic switching allows the system to optimize speed at different stages of the measurement cycle, achieving both high productivity and gentle probe placement
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the traversing speed is reduced before reaching the measuring position, then gentle placement is achieved, but setup time for new measurements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining the second operating state (crawling speed) and the switching criteria in the control unit before actual measurements begin. The control unit is pre-programmed with the logic to switch from rapid traverse to crawling speed at specific positions or distances from the measuring point. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for manual speed adjustments during setup, allowing operators to quickly change between measurement tasks while maintaining gentle probe placement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the control unit to automatically manage the speed transition without operator intervention. The control unit monitors the probe's position and autonomously switches between operating states based on pre-set criteria. This automation eliminates the time-consuming manual adjustment process, allowing the system to self-regulate its speed profile for each measurement cycle, thereby reducing setup time while ensuring consistent gentle probe placement
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 approach allows for precise and gentle placement of the measuring probe, reducing setup time and increasing productivity by enabling rapid transition between measurement tasks while minimizing surface damage, thus enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of layer thickness measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a travel speed of the drive device can be reduced by mechanical damping before the measuring position is reached
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for electrically controlling a measuring stand with a traversing movement of at least one measuring probe (26) from a starting position (31) to a measuring position (32), and to a measuring stand for receiving a measuring probe, in particular for measuring the thickness of thin films, in which a motor (34) is controlled by a control device (25), which moves a plunger (23) up and down via a drive device (35), wherein a receptacle (24) is provided on the plunger (23) to which the measuring probe (26) can be attached, in which a freewheel is activated between the drive device (35) and the plunger (33) as soon as the measuring probe (26) or receptacle (23) is placed on a measuring object (14) in the measuring position (32) and the traversing movement of the drive device (35) is decoupled from the stroke movement of the plunger (23).wherein the travel speed of at least one measuring probe (14) from the starting position (31) to the measuring position (32) is reduced by mechanical or electrical damping before reaching the measuring position (32).