Rotary Probe Head Dual Interface Counterweight Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rotary probe heads face challenges in accommodating probes of widely different masses and sizes, leading to compromised performance due to instability and heat generation from uneven motor torque.

Innovation Solution

A rotary probe head design featuring two interchangeable interfaces on opposite sides of the A-axis, allowing for the mounting of both low and high mass probes, along with counterweights to balance the system and minimize torque, thereby enhancing compatibility and motor control stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single probe interface is used on the rotary probe head, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate probes of widely different masses and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe compatibilityVSAvoidinterface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe interface is segmented into multiple separate interfaces (first interface and second interface) positioned at different locations on the rotary probe head. This allows different probe types with different masses to be mounted on different interfaces, with each interface optimized for specific probe characteristics, thereby achieving versatility without requiring a completely redesigned universal interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary probe head is designed with multiple interfaces that can each accommodate different probe types (stylus probes, laser probes, etc.). The system achieves multi-functionality by providing interchangeable interfaces that can be configured based on the specific probe requirements, allowing the same probe head to serve multiple measurement functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If probes of widely different mass are mounted on the same probe head, then probe versatility is achieved, but motor control performance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe compatibilityVSAvoidmotor control stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Counterweights are strategically positioned on the rotary probe head to balance the varying masses of different probe types. When a heavy laser probe is mounted on one interface, counterweights on opposite interfaces compensate for the mass imbalance, maintaining consistent rotational dynamics and motor control performance across different probe configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Strength

If a simple magnetic interface is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot support high mass probes like laser probes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface holding capacityVSAvoidinterface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different interface types are provided at different locations on the rotary probe head. The first interface may use a magnetic connection optimized for lightweight stylus probes, while the second interface provides a stronger mechanical connection suitable for heavy laser probes. Each interface location has locally optimized properties matched to the specific probe types it accommodates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10107654B2Rotary probe head

Publication Date: 2018.10.23 NIKON CORP

AI summary

A rotary probe head having a dual interface for probe mounting that allows two separate interfaces to be mounted on opposite sides of the “A” or elevation axis of the rotary probe head. The two interfaces can be rotatable and interchangeable and allow for increased flexibility in handling different types of attachments including attachments having widely different mass, size, and/or interface connections. A probe can be mounted to one interface and a counterweight can be mounted to the opposite interface for improved holding torque performance by reducing the duty force and heat factor generation of the motor in the probe head.