Automatic Micrometer Contact Detection for Stable Pressure Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing contact-type measuring machines require manual operation for proper contact and pressure application, leading to time-consuming and labor-intensive measurements, while non-contact machines are expensive and difficult to maintain.

Innovation Solution

An automatic measuring device with a movable element and displacement detector unit, automated by a motor operation unit, determines contact with a workpiece using a contact determination step and applies a constant pressure mechanism to ensure accurate measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation is used for contact-type measuring machines, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to time-consuming measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidmeasurement speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring machine automatically determines contact between the movable element and workpiece by self-evaluating displacement detector unit data, eliminating the need for manual contact assessment. The system performs autonomous measurement cycles including automatic backward movement and re-forward movement to generate measurement pressure, enabling continuous automated operation while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system that uses displacement detector unit feedback to control motor-driven movement. The system substitutes human judgment and manual manipulation with automated control algorithms that process displacement data to determine contact and regulate measurement pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If non-contact measuring machines are used, then productivity is improved through automation, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the displacement detector unit serve multiple functions: it detects displacement during movement, determines contact between the movable element and workpiece, and provides feedback for controlling measurement pressure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate contact detection mechanisms required in non-contact measuring machines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts movement parameters (speed, position, pressure) based on displacement detector unit feedback. By dynamically changing operational parameters rather than using fixed complex mechanisms, the system achieves automation comparable to non-contact machines while maintaining the simplicity of contact-type measuring machines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If contact-type measuring machines are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but labor intensity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement stabilityVSAvoidlabor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors displacement detector unit data during the measurement cycle and uses this feedback to determine contact between the movable element and workpiece. The feedback mechanism automatically regulates the measurement process, maintaining constant measurement pressure while eliminating manual intervention and reducing labor intensity

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

Automates the measurement process of contact-type measuring machines, reducing labor intensity and costs, while maintaining high measurement stability and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a displacement detector unit that detects displacement of the movable element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDisplacement detection: Displacement

Data Source

PatentUS12584734B2Automatic measuring device and control method of the same

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 MITUTOYO CORP

AI summary

An automatic measuring device includes a micrometer including a spindle that moves forward and backward to be brought into contact with or away from a workpiece and a displacement detector unit that detects displacement of the spindle, and an automatic operation unit that automates the forward and backward movement of the spindle by power. The automatic operation unit performs a first forward-movement step of moving the spindle forward to bring the spindle into contact with the workpiece, and a contact determination step of determining the contact between the spindle and the workpiece in the first forward-movement step. In the contact determination step, the spindle is determined to be in contact with the workpiece when a change in a position of the spindle detected by the displacement detector unit in the first forward-movement step becomes equal to or less than a predetermined contact determination threshold.