Measurement Probe Edge Guide Tool with Ball Bearing Follower
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement probes for workpieces with contoured edges face issues such as friction-induced wear, stability problems due to negative protrusions, and operator strain during manual scans, particularly when using spring-loaded mechanisms with traditional transducer holders.
Innovation Solution
A measurement probe edge guide tool featuring a spring-loaded mechanism with a positive probe protrusion and edge follower using ball bearings to maintain consistent contact with contoured edges, along with a universal joint to reduce wrist and finger strain, allowing for ergonomic and stable scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-loaded mechanism with a negative protrusion is used to hold the transducer, then the transducer can be retained in the holder, but the operator must push the transducer onto the material which causes friction-induced wear and adversely affects performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional spring-loaded mechanism by using a positive protrusion that pushes the transducer away from the operator rather than requiring the operator to push it onto the material. This reversal eliminates the harmful friction and wear caused by manual pushing while maintaining secure transducer retention through the spring-loaded cage structure.
2Ease of operation
If the cage extends too far off the edge of the workpiece, then the transducer can access the edge, but the transducer loses stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the holder into distinct functional components: a cage portion that extends off the edge for accessibility and a counterweight portion that remains on the stable side of the workpiece. This segmentation allows the transducer to reach contoured edges while maintaining stability through the counterweight that prevents excessive movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a counterweight portion of the holder that balances the extending cage portion, preventing the transducer from becoming unstable when positioned at contoured edges. This counterweight provides the necessary stability while still allowing the transducer to access edges effectively.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional pinch grip technique is used to hold the transducer, then the transducer can be maneuvered, but wrist and finger strain increases particularly when going around corners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a handle as an intermediary component between the operator's hand and the transducer. This handle, coupled with a universal joint, acts as a mediator that reduces wrist and finger strain by providing a more ergonomic lever arm for maneuvering the transducer around corners and contoured edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a handle with universal joint capability, introducing an additional dimensional element to the operation. This handle extends the lever arm and provides rotational freedom through the universal joint, allowing the operator to maneuver the transducer with reduced strain by changing the dimension of force application.
4Device complexity
If a flat contact surface is used in the cage, then the structure is simple, but friction-induced wear occurs and performance is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the flat contact surface with a spherical or curved contact surface in the cage. This curvature distributes the contact pressure over a larger area, reducing friction-induced wear and improving durability while maintaining relatively simple cage construction. The spherical contact surface allows for smoother movement and reduced stress concentration.
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 tool enables efficient, stable, and ergonomic scanning of contoured edges with reduced operator fatigue and improved performance by maintaining consistent contact and allowing for one-handed sweeping motions, enhancing both safety and scanning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an edge follower comprising two edge contact pins that spin around the outside of the measurement probe using a ball bearing
Implementation Method 2
The spring-loaded mechanism includes a spring chamber-defining part that is affixed to the plastic cage by means of heat-set threaded inserts and bolts
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement probe edge guide tool includes an edge follower comprising two edge contact pins that spin around the outside of the measurement probe using a ball bearing. The edge contact pins hug the corner of a contoured edge of the workpiece or in-service part to provide a consistent distance of the center of the probe from the edge. The edge follower enables the tool to inspect the marginal portion bounded by a contoured (machined) edge of a workpiece or part. The edge follower is removable so that the tool may also be adapted for use in general acreage inspection. The tool features a spring-loaded mechanism with a positive probe protrusion relative to a roller-supported cage. The tool has either a handle which is coupled to the cage by means of a universal joint or a hand grip that is affixed to the cage.