Measuring Probe Magnetic Support Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact-type shape measuring probes face instability due to friction resistance issues when the movable member vertically moves, affecting the consistency of the contact force between the stylus and the object being measured.
Innovation Solution
The use of two spherical magnetic supporters connected by a magnetic force, with a plate-like elastic material adhering to the upper end of the movable member, allows for reduced friction resistance by enabling the steel balls to move radially and maintain a consistent contact force during vertical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a movable member is supported by a single support point in air bearing to enable vertical movement, then the device complexity is reduced, but friction resistance increases and stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single support point is segmented into multiple support points (at least two) arranged symmetrically around the movable member's axis. This segmentation distributes the load and reduces friction resistance while maintaining movement stability, directly resolving the contradiction between device complexity and reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the contact force between the stylus and the object is minimized to avoid damage, then the object damage risk is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple support points that work together to provide stable support with minimal contact force. This allows the stylus to maintain light contact with the object while the segmented support system ensures measurement stability, resolving the contradiction between object protection and measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If the movable member is restricted in X and Y directions by air bearing to enable free vertical movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but friction resistance in vertical movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical support is segmented from the horizontal constraint function. Multiple support points arranged symmetrically reduce the frictional load during vertical movement while air bearing maintains horizontal restriction. This segmentation allows free vertical movement with reduced energy loss, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and energy efficiency.
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 configuration enhances the followability of the auto focus control, ensuring a constant contact force between the measuring probe and the object, even when the contact force is minimized, thereby improving measurement accuracy and stability.
Implementation Method 1
an air bearing that has a shaft hole, allows the movable member to penetrate the shaft hole, and supports the movable member to be movable in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
The use of two spherical magnetic supporters connected by a magnetic force, with a plate-like elastic material adhering to the upper end of the movable member, allows for reduced friction resistance by enabling the steel balls to move radially
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A shape measuring probe includes a movable member, a stylus, an air bearing, a first magnet, a second magnet, a first supporter, a second supporter, and an elastic material. The first magnet and the second magnet are fixed to an upper end portion of the air bearing, substantially symmetrically with respect to a shaft center of the movable member. The first supporter is connected to the first magnet with a magnetic force. The second supporter is connected to the second magnet with a magnetic force. The plate-like elastic material adheres to the upper end portion of the movable member and is placed on the first supporter and the second supporter.