Probe Sensor Segmentation for Reproducible Force Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing probe systems used in material-processing machines for determining workpiece positions lack precise and reproducible probing behavior due to the non-uniform distribution of pressure forces across sensors, leading to inconsistent signal generation and wear on sensitive components.

Innovation Solution

A probe system with pressure-sensitive sensors and mechanical transmission elements, where the transmission elements are designed to direct compressive forces orthogonally to the sensor surfaces, ensuring maximum signal sensitivity and reproducibility, and a mounting element that maintains precise positioning and flexibility to prevent deformation and wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the probe element is connected to the housing via a small plate that is resilient in the axial direction, then the positioning of the test element relative to the housing and sensors is ensured, but the exact position of the application of force into the sensors cannot be guaranteed in a reproducible manner after repeated deflection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereproducible probing behaviorVSAvoidposition of force application
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The probe element is segmented into multiple arms (at least two arms) that are offset from each other, with each arm having its own transmission element and sensor arrangement. This segmentation allows independent force transmission paths, ensuring that the position of force application remains consistent and reproducible even after repeated deflections, as each arm-sensor pair operates independently without相互 interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If pressure-sensitive sensors are used, then extremely small deflection movements lead to probe switching, but the non-uniform distribution of pressure forces across sensors leads to inconsistent signal generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal sensitivityVSAvoidsignal consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Each sensor is equipped with its own dedicated transmission element (such as a ball or roller) that makes contact with a specific arm of the probe element. This local quality ensures that pressure forces are uniformly distributed to individual sensors through their respective transmission elements, maintaining consistent signal generation while preserving the high sensitivity of pressure-sensitive sensors to even minimal deflection movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 probe achieves extremely precise and reproducible probing behavior with minimal deflection movements, reducing wear on sensitive components and ensuring consistent signal generation even after repeated use.

Implementation Method 1

sensors (5), each with a pressure-sensitive surface (5.1), which generate electrical signals when subjected to pressure forces having a directional component orthogonal to the pressure-sensitive surface (5.1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensitivity: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP1762818B1Scanning head
Publication Date: 2008.08.20 DR JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
  • EP1762818B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1762818B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1762818B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The probe has sensors (5), with pressure sensitive surfaces, producing electrical signals during impact of pressure force. A retaining unit (3) is separate and/or discrete construction and formed point symmetric. A pressure key unit is movably supported relative to the sensors. The key unit, sensors and a transfer unit (4) stays in effective mechanical connection so that level change of the signals is produced through contact of key unit.