Monolithic Quartz Glass Sensor Element for Probe Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine-guided probe systems for tactile measurement of surface points face challenges in sensitivity and accuracy due to the limitations of metallic spring bearing elements, which are prone to irreversible material failure under cyclic loading.
Innovation Solution
A sensor element made from monolithic silicate glass, specifically quartz glass, with a central recess and spring bearing elements providing mobility in multiple degrees of freedom, coupled with a light source and optical detection system to accurately measure stylus deflection and prevent overloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If metallic spring bearing elements are used in the sensor element, then the device can be manufactured with conventional materials and processes, but the sensitivity and accuracy in determining stylus deflection are limited due to irreversible material failure under cyclic loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metallic to silicate glass, which fundamentally alters the elastic deformation characteristics. The silicate glass enables reversible elastic deformation under cyclic loading conditions, preventing the irreversible material failure that occurs with metallic spring bearing elements, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element is constructed as a monolithic composite of silicate glass, integrating the spring bearing elements and base body into a single material system. This composite approach eliminates the need for separate metallic components and their associated failure modes, achieving superior reliability while maintaining the required elastic deformation behavior for accurate deflection measurement
2Reliability
If silicate glass is used for the monolithic sensor element, then superior elastic deformation behavior and thermal stability are achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spring bearing elements and base body into a single monolithic silicate glass structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for multiple components, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the specialized glass material. The unified structure also eliminates potential failure points at interfaces between different materials
Solution Approach 2:
By changing to silicate glass material, the patent achieves superior thermal stability and resistance to irreversible deformation. The material's inherent properties enable the sensor to maintain its elastic deformation characteristics under varying thermal conditions and cyclic loading, significantly improving reliability without requiring additional manufacturing steps for thermal management or material protection
3Measurement precision
If the spring bearing provides mobility in multiple degrees of freedom, then the sensitivity for detecting stylus deflection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spring bearing elements into a single monolithic silicate glass structure that provides mobility in multiple degrees of freedom. This integration achieves the required sensitivity for detecting stylus deflection in various directions while eliminating the complexity of assembling and aligning separate mechanical components. The monolithic structure inherently provides the necessary degrees of freedom through its elastic properties
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 silicate glass sensor element offers superior elastic deformation behavior and thermal stability, enhancing sensitivity and accuracy in stylus deflection measurement while preventing material failure through controlled deflection and optical detection.
Implementation Method 1
The silicate glass, in particular the quartz glass, is elastically deformable in a defined manner and, in particular, is reversibly elastically deformable even under cyclic loading conditions
Implementation Method 2
a light source for emitting a light beam, an optical detection device with a defined location and positional relationship to the sensor element and with an optical detector for detecting light radiation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Sensor element (1) for signaling and determining a deflection of a stylus, comprising a base body (2) with a central recess (3), a spring bearing with at least one spring bearing element (4), a sensor surface (5), a connecting surface (6) opposite the sensor surface, configured to connect a stylus to the sensor element (1), and a coupling unit (7), wherein the coupling unit (7) is resiliently mounted in the central recess (3) of the base body (2) by the spring bearing, wherein the spring bearing provides the coupling unit (7) with at least two rotational and one translational degrees of freedom, and mechanically couples the sensor surface (5) and the connecting surface (6) to each other.wherein the deflection of a stylus connected to the sensor element via the connecting surface (6) and coupling unit (7) causes a deflection of the sensor surface (5) and the deflection of the sensor surface (5) is in a fixed and defined relation to the deflection of the stylus, and the spring bearing, the sensor surface (5), the connecting surface (6), the coupling unit (7) and the base body (2) are integrally connected to one another in a one-piece composite made of silicate glass, in particular quartz glass, wherein the one-piece composite is monolithically made of silicate glass, in particular quartz glass.