Modular Interface Body for Articulated Measuring Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current three-dimensional measuring devices lack flexibility and ease of use, particularly in handling and mounting measuring members, which can be cumbersome and require complex operations.

Innovation Solution

The device features an articulated arm with a modular interface body that includes a tubular coupling part for secure attachment of measuring members, a dual-grip system for versatile handling, and a locking mechanism allowing snap-fastening, locking, and release states for easy installation and removal of measuring members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional measuring device with fixed handle and measuring member is used, then the device structure is simple, but the flexibility and ease of use are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device is divided into separate functional modules: handle, measuring member, and interface body with coupling part. Each module can be independently mounted or removed, allowing flexible reconfiguration without affecting the entire device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface body is designed with universal coupling capability, featuring a tubular coupling part that can accommodate different measuring members and a fastener plate that can fasten to different grip members, enabling one interface body to serve multiple functions and configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a traditional measuring device with fixed handle and measuring member is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where the handle and measuring member can be selectively mounted and removed from the interface body, allowing the operator to adapt the device configuration to different measurement tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The interface body is pre-equipped with the tubular coupling part and fastener plate, which are designed in advance to facilitate easy mounting and removal of measuring members and grip members, eliminating the need for complex assembly operations during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a traditional measuring device with fixed handle and measuring member is used, then the device structure is simple, but the handling is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehandlingVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If a traditional measuring device with fixed handle and measuring member is used, then the device structure is simple, but the operational efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11543236B2Measuring arm with multifunctional end

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 HEXAGON METROLOGY SAS

AI summary

A three-dimensional measuring device comprising an arm having a free end provided with an interface body that includes a front face that has projecting therefrom a tubular coupling part for coupling to a first measuring member for measuring by contact and that is arranged to form a fastener plate for fastening either to a first grip member or else to a second measuring member, and the interface body also includes a side surface arranged to form a second fastener plate for fastening to a second grip member.