Shape Measurement Probe With Magnetic Biasing For Arbitrary Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shape measurement devices are limited in measuring surfaces with high precision and low measurement force, particularly when the surface has a shape similar to a horizontal surface or a substantially vertically elongated shape, as they cannot effectively detect the position of the stylus on such surfaces due to the orientation of the swing movement portion.
Innovation Solution
A shape measurement device probe with a linear movement portion and a swing movement portion, where the swing movement portion is connected to the linear movement portion through a connection mechanism, allowing it to swing with a supporting point and be biased by magnetic forces to maintain contact with the surface while preventing separation from the mounting portion, enabling measurement of surfaces with arbitrary angles without limiting the inclination angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the swing movement portion is biased by magnetic attractive force between movable-side magnets and fixed-side magnets, then the arm is oriented in the vertical direction and the stylus contacts the surface, but the measurement force becomes insufficient for surfaces with arbitrary angles (especially horizontal and vertically elongated surfaces)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the biasing mechanism from magnetic attraction to magnetic repulsion. By arranging the movable-side magnet and fixed-side magnet with like poles facing each other, a repulsive force is generated that biases the swing movement portion upward. This parameter change in the magnetic interaction enables the stylus to maintain contact with surfaces of arbitrary angles while generating sufficient measurement force, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and measurement force.
2Reliability
If the swing movement portion is designed to swing about an apical end of a supporting point member fitted in a conical groove, then positional deviation is prevented and the arm extends in the vertical direction, but the device cannot effectively measure surfaces with arbitrary angles (horizontal and vertically elongated surfaces)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a linear movement portion that enables the swing movement portion to dynamically adjust its position in the vertical direction while maintaining the conical groove supporting point structure. This dynamic capability allows the stylus to effectively contact and measure surfaces with arbitrary angles, including horizontal and vertically elongated surfaces, while the conical groove continues to prevent positional deviation. The combination resolves the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
3Device complexity
If conventional magnetic attractive force is used to bias the swing movement portion, then the structure is simple, but the measurement force is insufficient for maintaining constant contact with surfaces of arbitrary angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of magnetic interaction from attraction to repulsion by arranging like poles of the magnets to face each other. This simple parameter change in the magnetic configuration generates a repulsive force that effectively biases the swing movement portion upward, enabling constant contact with surfaces of arbitrary angles. The solution maintains structural simplicity while resolving the force insufficiency issue.
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 high-precision measurements of arbitrary shapes, including horizontal and vertically elongated surfaces, with a small measurement force, by maintaining contact and preventing positional deviation through balanced magnetic forces, allowing for precise determination of surface shapes and features.
Implementation Method 1
a movable-side magnet 71 and a fixed-side magnet 72, which generate a magnetic repulsive force
Implementation Method 2
a swing-side magnet 51 and a non-swing-side magnet 52, which generate a magnetic attractive force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A linear movement portion (6) is supported by attachment portion (2) so as to be linearly movable only in a vertical direction. A swing movement portion (3) includes an arm (121) having at a tip end thereof a stylus (122) for contacting with a surface to be measured of a measuring object. A connection mechanism (4) connects the swing movement portion to the linear movement portion so that the swing movement portion can swing with respect to the supporting point portion by fitting an apical end of a supporting point member (42) provided in the swing movement portion into a groove (41a) formed in a mounting platform (41) provided in the linear movement portion. Swing-side and non-swing-side magnets (51, 52) generate magnetic attractive forces which cause a biasing force to the swing movement portion so that the arm is oriented in the vertical direction. Magnetic forces generated between movable-side and fixed-side magnets (71, 72) cause a biasing force in the vertical upward direction to the linear movement portion thereby maintaining non-contact status of the linear movement portion to the attachment portion in the vertical direction.