Probe Sensor Module Reproducible Positioning via Inclined Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contour measuring instruments face challenges in reproducibly positioning force sensors, leading to potential inaccuracies during surface profiling and roughness measurements due to complex locking mechanisms and susceptibility to displacement issues.
Innovation Solution
A simplified arrangement using a fixing member with a rod-like portion and a slidable-contact portion, allowing for easy and reproducible positioning of the sensor module on the probe body, utilizing a male screw and female thread for secure attachment, and an inclined insertion hole for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism (pin-lock method) is used to position the force sensor, then positioning reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into three independent functional elements: the positioning portion (providing reference surface), the pressing portion (applying force), and the fixing member (rod-like portion with fixing projection). This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function simply, achieving reliable positioning without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member utilizes the inclined portion's geometry to automatically self-position during insertion. As the fixing member is inserted, the fixing projection naturally slides along the inclined portion and snaps into the engaging hole without requiring external positioning actions or complex locking procedures.
2Ease of operation
If the insertion hole diameter is made larger than the rod-like portion, then ease of insertion is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined portion acts as an intermediary element between the fixing member and the final positioned state. It mediates the transition from loose insertion (large diameter tolerance) to precise positioning (fixing projection engaged in engaging hole) through its geometric constraint, allowing both ease of insertion and positioning precision to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined portion performs the preliminary action of guiding and pre-positioning the fixing member during insertion. This preliminary guidance ensures that even with a larger insertion hole diameter, the fixing member is correctly oriented and positioned before final engagement, preventing misalignment.
3Device complexity
If a simplified fixing mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning reproducibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member features an asymmetric design with a fixing projection positioned offset from the rod-like portion's centerline, combined with a corresponding asymmetric inclined portion. This asymmetric geometry ensures unidirectional insertion and prevents reverse insertion, guaranteeing reproducible positioning while maintaining mechanism simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes geometric parameter constraints (inclined portion angle, fixing projection dimensions, engaging hole position) to ensure reproducible positioning. By carefully controlling these parameters, the simple fixing mechanism achieves the same positioning reliability as complex mechanisms through precise geometric relationships.
4Reliability
If multiple components (fixing bolt and pin member) are used for locking, then positioning reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (positioning, pressing, locking) are merged into a single fixing member. The rod-like portion provides positioning and pressing through its geometry, while the integrated fixing projection provides locking, eliminating the need for separate fixing bolts and pin members, thus simplifying operation while maintaining reliability.
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 solution enables highly reproducible and accurate positioning of the force sensor, enhancing measurement accuracy and simplifying the replacement process, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of contour measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the insertion hole includes an inclined portion on which the fixing projection can abut, the inclined portion inclined such that a distance between a pressing portion side of an opening positioned opposite to the slidable-contact portion and the pressing portion becomes gradually larger toward the slid-contacting portion
Data Source
AI summary
A probe body (200) includes a middle closing portion (250) formed upright on a connector front portion (261A) and a female thread (261D) into which a male screw (110) is screwed. A sensor module (300) includes a slidable-contact portion (322) that slidably contacts with the connector front portion (261A), a pressing member (321) that is pressed against the middle closing portion (250) and an insertion hole (325). The insertion hole (325) has a widened portion (325B) that is inclined in such a manner that a distance between an opening on the pressing portion (321) side, the opening positioned on a screw-hole-forming-portion end surface (324), and the pressing portion (321) gradually becomes larger toward the slidable-contact portion (322) side. The insertion hole (325) has a diameter larger than that of the male screw (110).