Orientation Device for Sensor Probe Surface Normal Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for measuring the normal of a surface are expensive, sensitive to electromagnetic disturbances, and require complex calculation means to determine the tangent for orienting welding torches, which complicates the welding process of metal plates.
Innovation Solution
A device with a feeler member having a convex palpation surface that pivots and rolls on the surface, using pressure to maintain equilibrium contact, allowing direct measurement of the surface normal through angular displacement measurement, enabling simple, economical, and real-time orientation of tools relative to the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser range finders, inductive detectors or capacitive detectors are used for detection, then measurement capability is improved, but cost increases and sensitivity to electromagnetic disturbances worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic detection systems (laser range finders, inductive detectors, capacitive detectors) with a purely mechanical sensing system. The feeler member with convex palpation surface mechanically contacts the work surface, and its angular position directly indicates the surface normal direction through geometry, eliminating sensitivity to electromagnetic disturbances while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical feeler member system uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components instead of expensive electronic detectors. The convex palpation surface and articulation mechanism provide robust, cost-effective measurement without the high cost associated with laser or electronic sensing systems
2Measurement precision
If calculation means are used to determine the tangent and orient the welding torch, then orientation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feeler member system is self-sufficient in determining surface orientation. The convex palpation surface mechanically engages the work surface, and the articulation geometry automatically provides the surface normal information through its angular position, eliminating the need for external calculation means or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using sensors to detect surface geometry and then calculating the normal vector through complex computations, the patent inverts the approach by using a mechanically articulated feeler whose angular position directly represents the surface normal. The orientation is obtained directly from the mechanical configuration rather than through mathematical calculation
3Reliability
If a single convex palpation surface with single point of equilibrium contact is used, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to precise geometric requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a convex palpation surface (spherical or curved) on the feeler member. This curved geometry ensures a single point of contact with the work surface at equilibrium, providing stable and reliable normal measurement. The spherical/curved shape is mechanically robust and can be manufactured with standard precision techniques
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
Enables precise, cost-effective, and robust measurement of the surface normal for tool orientation, improving the welding process by directly determining the normal at the point of contact and allowing continuous measurement along a trajectory with three degrees of freedom.
Implementation Method 1
the palpation surface having a single point of equilibrium contact, the point of equilibrium contact being the point on the palpation surface closest to the point of articulation
Implementation Method 2
a feeler member capable of pivoting along an axis of rotation not parallel to the predetermined direction with respect to a point of articulation of the support element
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
Device for orientating a sensor probe (8) with respect to the local normal vector of a working surface (7), the device comprising: a supporting structure, a mobile support element (29) connected to the supporting structure and able to slide in a predetermined direction (14), a sensor probe able to pivot about an axis of rotation (17) that is not parallel to the predetermined direction with respect to a point of articulation of the support element, pressure means able to move and apply load to the mobile support element in said predetermined direction so as to press the sensor probe firmly against the working surface, in which device the sensor probe has a single convex external sensing surface able to be brought into contact with the working surface, the sensing surface having a single equilibrium contact point, the equilibrium contact point being the point on the sensor surface that is closest to the articulation point.