Probe Arm Position Sensor Collision Protection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring apparatuses face risks of damage due to collisions between the probe arm and the workpiece or other components, despite existing overload protection mechanisms, as the probe arm may fall and cause damage upon collision.

Innovation Solution

A position sensor system is integrated with the probe arm and control apparatus to detect changes in position, generating a signal that immediately stops the feed movement upon collision, thereby preventing damage to the apparatus and its components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a permanent magnet is used to hold the probe arm, then the probe arm can be easily attached and detached, but the probe arm may detach during collision causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment and detachment of probe armVSAvoidcollision protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a catching element that is positioned in advance to catch the probe arm if it detaches during collision. The catching element is pre-configured in the holding part to intercept the probe arm at a safe location, preventing damage from uncontrolled falling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a catching element as an intermediary component between the probe arm and the damage risk. This catching element acts as a mediator that intervenes when the probe arm detaches, capturing it before it can cause damage to itself or other components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a predetermined breaking point arrangement is used, then collision protection is provided, but the probe arm may still fall and cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision protectionVSAvoiddamage from falling probe arm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a catching element that is positioned in advance to catch the probe arm if it detaches during collision. The catching element is pre-configured in the holding part to intercept the probe arm at a safe location, preventing damage from uncontrolled falling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a catching element as an intermediary component between the probe arm and the damage risk. This catching element acts as a mediator that intervenes when the probe arm detaches, capturing it before it can cause damage to itself or other components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the probe arm is held firmly to prevent detachment, then collision damage is reduced, but the probe arm cannot be easily replaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision protectionVSAvoidreplacement of probe arm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by using a magnetic holding connection that allows the probe arm to be easily attached and detached under normal conditions, while the catching element provides dynamic intervention only when collision occurs. The system transitions from a static strong connection to a dynamic magnetic connection with safety backup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a catching element that is positioned in advance to catch the probe arm if it detaches during collision. The catching element is pre-configured in the holding part to intercept the probe arm at a safe location, preventing damage from uncontrolled falling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The solution effectively reduces the risk of damage to the measuring apparatus and its components by enabling immediate cessation of feed movement during collisions, thereby minimizing repair costs and preventing probe arm damage from falling.

Implementation Method 1

the position sensor means has an electromechanical sensor means with at least one electromechanical sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS10928177B2Measuring apparatus for surface or contour measurement

Publication Date: 2021.02.23 JENOPTIK IND METROLOGY GERMANY

AI summary

Measuring apparatus for surface or contour measurement on a workpiece has a probe for contacting the surface of workpiece to be measured. Probe has a holding part to which a probe arm is detachably connectable or connected. Measuring apparatus also has a feed apparatus for moving probe relative to workpiece to be measured, and a control apparatus for controlling feed apparatus. A position sensor associated with probe arm and connected to control apparatus is provided, and which detects changes in the position of the probe arm, relative to holding part, from a measuring position into an interference position of probe arm, and generates a position change signal. Control apparatus is designed and programmed in such a way that, as a response to a position change signal, it generates a control signal for controlling feed apparatus in such a way that feed movement of probe is influenced.