Pneumatic Measuring Nozzle with Integrated Switching Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic object measuring devices face challenges with complex and costly designs due to the need for multiple lines and additional components for automatic workpiece recognition, leading to increased production costs and limited space for further measuring nozzles.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an electrically controllable switching element and electronic control device within a common housing, combining the low-pressure line with the measuring line upstream of the pneumatic converter, allowing for workpiece detection using the measuring line at reduced pressure without an independent signal nozzle, and enabling automatic air switch-off after each measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a separate low-pressure line with an independent signal nozzle is provided for workpiece detection, then automatic workpiece recognition is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the low-pressure line for workpiece detection with the existing measuring line for actual measurements. The low-pressure line branches off from the measuring line upstream of the switching element, allowing both workpiece detection and measurement functions to share the same pneumatic pathway. This eliminates the need for a completely separate low-pressure system with its own signal nozzle, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining automatic workpiece recognition capability
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring line is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the measurement line for actual dimensional measurements and as the low-pressure line for workpiece detection. By enabling the same line to perform dual functions at different pressure levels and operational modes, the patent reduces the number of dedicated components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while achieving automatic workpiece recognition
2Extent of automation
If a separate low-pressure line with an independent signal nozzle is provided for workpiece detection, then automatic workpiece recognition is enabled, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the low-pressure line for workpiece detection with the existing measuring line for actual measurements. The low-pressure line branches off from the measuring line upstream of the switching element, allowing both workpiece detection and measurement functions to share the same pneumatic pathway. This eliminates the need for a completely separate low-pressure system with its own signal nozzle, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining automatic workpiece recognition capability
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring line is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the measurement line for actual dimensional measurements and as the low-pressure line for workpiece detection. By enabling the same line to perform dual functions at different pressure levels and operational modes, the patent reduces the number of dedicated components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while achieving automatic workpiece recognition
3Extent of automation
If a separate low-pressure line with an independent signal nozzle is provided for workpiece detection, then automatic workpiece recognition is enabled, but the space for further measuring nozzles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the low-pressure line for workpiece detection with the existing measuring line for actual measurements. The low-pressure line branches off from the measuring line upstream of the switching element, allowing both workpiece detection and measurement functions to share the same pneumatic pathway. This eliminates the need for a completely separate low-pressure system with its own signal nozzle, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining automatic workpiece recognition capability
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring line is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the measurement line for actual dimensional measurements and as the low-pressure line for workpiece detection. By enabling the same line to perform dual functions at different pressure levels and operational modes, the patent reduces the number of dedicated components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while achieving automatic workpiece recognition
4Ease of operation
If the switching element remains in the release state continuously, then the measuring nozzle is always supplied with compressed air, but air loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element operates periodically, switching between release and blocked states based on the measurement cycle. During measurement pauses when no workpiece is present, the switching element blocks the compressed air supply to the measuring nozzle. The air supply is released only during active measurement processes, creating a periodic on-off pattern that maintains operational readiness while significantly reducing continuous air consumption and associated energy loss
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 simplifies the device structure, reduces air loss, and allows for compact design, enabling efficient and cost-effective pneumatic object measurement with automatic workpiece recognition and reduced space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic converter integrated into the measuring line, which is designed to generate an electrical output signal based on a pressure in the measuring line
Implementation Method 2
a low-pressure line branching off from the measuring line upstream of the switching element and having at least one throttle element in order to detect the presence of an object to be measured in the area of the measuring nozzle by means of a pneumatic measurement under reduced pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for the pneumatic measurement of an object, comprising a measuring nozzle that is fed by a compressed air source via a measuring line, a pneumatic converter integrated in the measuring line, and a switching element arranged upstream of the pneumatic converter in the measuring line, which switching element can be switched to a releasing state releasing a fluid connection between the compressed air source and the measuring nozzle, and to blocking state blocking the fluid connection between the compressed air source and the measuring nozzle. Furthermore, a low-pressure line branching off the measuring line upstream of the switching element and having at least one throttle element is provided in order to detect the presence of an object to be measured in the area of the measuring nozzle by means of a pneumatic measurement under reduced pressure with respect to a measurement of an object. The low-pressure line terminates between the switching element and the pneumatic converter in the measuring line. An electronic control device is configured to switch the electrically controllable switching element to and fro between the releasing state and the blocking state subject to an output signal of the pneumatic converter.