Proximity-Sensing Measuring Device for Base-Point Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring devices, such as dial gauges and lever-type dial gauges, suffer from measurement inaccuracies due to shifts in the base point (origin) caused by user operations, leading to errors in subsequent measurements.

Innovation Solution

A measuring device equipped with a position detector, operation reception unit, proximity sensor, and central control unit that uses a proximity sensor to detect the approach and separation of a user's finger from operation buttons, allowing for the sequential storage of tentatively finalized measurement data and determination of finalized data only when the user's finger is fully separated, thereby eliminating the influence of user operations on measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user operates buttons to set and capture the base point, then the base point can be set, but the position and posture of the measuring device change causing measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebase point setting operationVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-stores measurement values in temporary storage when the user approaches the operation reception unit, before the actual button press occurs. This preliminary capture of data ensures that the base point is set based on measurements taken when the device was in its original position, not after user contact causes positional changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The operation reception unit acts as an intermediary between the user and the measuring device's internal systems. It detects user approach via proximity sensor and mediates the data capture process by storing values in temporary storage before finalization, isolating the measurement system from direct user contact effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If measurement data is finalized immediately upon button press, then the operation is quick, but the data includes errors from position shifts during button operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata finalization speedVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Measurement values are preliminarily stored in temporary storage during the approach phase before button press. This allows the system to have ready-to-use accurate data while the user completes their pressing action, maintaining both speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically manages data states, transitioning from real-time measurement to temporary storage upon detecting user approach, then to finalized data after button press. This dynamic state management allows flexible handling of measurement data throughout the operation sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If the measuring device is small-sized, then it is portable and easy to handle, but user operations may cause larger relative position changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical button-press detection with proximity sensor-based detection. Instead of relying on physical contact that moves the device, the system detects user approach wirelessly and captures data before contact occurs, eliminating the mechanical disturbance inherent in small device operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution ensures accurate and precise measurement data by setting the base point at the appropriate timing and excluding the effects of posture variations caused by button presses, enhancing overall measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a proximity sensor configured to measure a distance between an object and the operation reception unit when the object approaches or moves away from the operation reception unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20250321095A1Measuring device

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 MITUTOYO CORP

AI summary

There is provided a measuring device capable of improving measurement accuracy by eliminating influences of user operations in setting a base point and in finalizing measurement data. An operation reception unit of a measuring device receives a measurement data finalization command to finalize measurement data. A central control unit sequentially stores measurement values in a memory as tentatively finalized measurement data when a proximity sensor detects that a finger has approached the operation reception unit. The central control unit determines one or two or more pieces in the tentatively finalized measurement data stored in the memory as finalized measurement data when the operation reception unit receives the measurement data finalization command.