Rotating Indicator Comparator Caliper for Multi-Position Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calipers are cumbersome and limited in versatility, making certain measurements difficult due to handling challenges and readability issues, especially in multiple positions, and lack ease of maintenance and repair.
Innovation Solution
A caliper design featuring two arms and a rod with a pivoted indicator arm that rotates along a circumference, allowing for adjustable positioning and integration of various reading systems, including vernier, dial, and digital, with a mechanism that distributes preload forces orthogonally to enhance precision and balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the indicator is fixed in a single position on the caliper, then the structure is simple, but the indicator cannot be clearly visible in all measurement positions and the versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator is made rotatable around the rod's axis through a pin connection, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. This dynamic positioning enables the indicator to be clearly visible in all measurement positions while maintaining structural simplicity, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Ease of repair
If the caliper uses a traditional fixed indicator design, then the manufacturing is simple, but the ease of maintenance and repair is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The caliper is divided into separable components including the rod, indicator, and measuring arms. The indicator can be independently removed and replaced by detaching it from the rod, facilitating maintenance and repair while maintaining a relatively simple overall assembly structure.
3Ease of operation
If the indicator arm is rigidly fixed to the rod, then the structure is robust, but the indicator cannot assume different positions for clear visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The pin connection creates a dynamic joint that allows the indicator arm to rotate freely around the rod's axis while maintaining a secure connection. This provides both the flexibility needed for clear visibility in all positions and the structural integrity required for robust operation.
4Ease of repair
If the caliper is designed as a single integrated piece, then the structure is compact, but it cannot be completely dismantled for maintenance and repair
Solution Approach 1:
The caliper is designed as an assembly of distinct components (rod, indicator, measuring arms) connected through simple joints. This segmentation enables complete disassembly for maintenance while keeping each component simple and the overall structure relatively compact.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Comparator caliper (100) comprising a rod (1), a first fixed arm (2) at the end of which there is a first probe (2'), a second movable arm (3) at the end of which there is a second probe (3'), an arm (5) of the comparator caliper (100) pivoted with said first or second arm (2, 3) to the rod (1) by means of a pin (6) and a comparator (4) constrained to the arm (5) of the comparator caliper, said comparator caliper (100). The first arm (2) and said second arm (3), are alternately configured together with the arm (5) of the comparator caliper as a lever device (20, 30) able to rotate around the pin (6).