Rotatable Display Micrometer for Left-Handed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital display micrometers are not user-friendly for left-handed operators, as they lack operation buttons on the backside, impairing usability.
Innovation Solution
A digital display micrometer with a rotatable display device equipped with a touch panel and a control system that inverts image orientation based on the user's hand position, allowing operation buttons to be displayed and accessible regardless of hand orientation, and a finger rest to prevent thermal expansion errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operation buttons are provided only on the front side of the micrometer, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but left-handed operators cannot access the buttons, reducing usability
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is made rotatable relative to the body, allowing it to dynamically change orientation between front and back positions. This enables the operation buttons to be accessible from either side depending on whether the micrometer is used with the right or left hand, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and left-handed usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable display device serves multiple functions: it can be positioned to face forward for right-handed operation or rotated to face backward for left-handed operation. This multi-position capability makes the micrometer universally usable for both right-handed and left-handed operators without requiring separate button configurations.
2Ease of operation
If the display device is made rotatable to enable left-handed operation, then usability for both hands is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The operation buttons are merged with the display device rather than being separate components. By integrating the buttons into the display unit that can rotate, the patent avoids adding separate rotational mechanisms for buttons while still achieving bidirectional accessibility. The display device itself becomes the rotating element that carries both display and control functions.
3Ease of operation
If operation buttons are integrated into a rotatable display device, then left-handed operation becomes possible, but the position of buttons may not be optimally accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The display device can be dynamically rotated to position the buttons at an optimal viewing and access angle for the user's hand position. Whether using the right or left hand, the user can rotate the display to face them directly, ensuring both visibility and accessibility of the buttons while maintaining integration with the display unit.
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
Enhances usability by allowing left-handed operation and reduces measurement errors due to thermal expansion, ensuring accurate readings and easy operation of buttons.
Implementation Method 1
a spindle (1C) that is screwed into the fixed sleeve (1B) and advances and retracts in an axial direction thereof
Implementation Method 2
a displacement detector that detects a displacement of the spindle
Implementation Method 3
a position sensor that detects a position pressed on the touch surface
Implementation Method 4
a finger rest to prevent thermal expansion errors
Data Source
AI summary
A micrometer includes: a displacement detector that detects a displacement of a spindle; a display device that is rotatably attached to a fixed sleeve; and a control device that controls the display device. The display device includes: an image display section that displays an image including a measurement value based on the displacement detected by the displacement detector; a surface member that faces the image display section and has a touch surface; a position sensor that detects a position pressed on the touch surface; and a support member that supports the image display section, the surface member and the position sensor while the touch surface is exposed to an outside, the support member being rotatably attached to the fixed sleeve.