Rotating Unidirectional Probe for Complex Surface Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface measurement technologies, such as coordinate-measuring machines (CMMs) and scanning probe apparatus, face limitations in accessing all surfaces of complex workpieces due to uni-directional probes that cannot rotate freely, restricting the gathering of comprehensive surface data.
Innovation Solution
A unidirectional probe is enhanced by allowing rotation about a third axis, enabling it to function as a multidirectional probe, with the ability to rotate up to 360 degrees or continuously, using a motorized or manually actuatable rotation means and slip rings for electrical contact, thereby increasing the accessibility of surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a unidirectional probe is used for surface measurement, then the probe structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the probe can only sense the workpiece in one direction, limiting the number of surfaces it can reach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the unidirectional probe to rotate about its longitudinal axis through a rotation means. This dynamic capability allows the probe to change its sensing direction during measurement, transforming a static unidirectional probe into a dynamically adaptable tool that can access multiple surfaces without requiring complex multi-directional probe structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by allowing a single unidirectional probe to perform multiple sensing functions through rotation. The same probe can measure different surfaces and orientations by rotating to appropriate angles, eliminating the need for multiple specialized probes while maintaining the simplicity of the original unidirectional design
2Loss of information
If the stylus tip is unable to reach the surface of the workpiece due to physical dimensions and limitations of probe head movement, then the probe head structure is simple, but information about the profile of the surface cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by adding rotational movement about the longitudinal axis to the probe's capabilities. This additional degree of freedom allows the stylus tip to reach surfaces that are geometrically accessible only through rotational positioning, overcoming limitations of linear probe head movements without complicating the basic probe structure
3Productivity
If a unidirectional probe is rotated about a third axis to access more surfaces, then the number of accessible surfaces increases, but the device complexity increases due to additional rotation means
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation means provides dynamic control of the probe's longitudinal axis orientation, enabling the system to adapt to complex workpiece geometries. This dynamic adjustment capability increases measurement coverage by allowing the probe to reach surfaces at various angles while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through controlled rotational movement
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for measuring a surface of a workpiece is described. The apparatus comprises a support (7), attachable to the moveable arm of a machine (26), such as a coordinate positioning machine, and rotatable about first (1A) and second (2A) axes of rotation, the axes driven by first (M1) and second (M2) motors respectively. The apparatus additionally comprises a unidirectional probe or surface finish probe (4) for sensing the surface of a workpiece, rotatable about a third axis of rotation (4A). A rotation means (6) is provided for allowing rotation of the unidirectional probe or surface finish probe (4) with respect to the support (7) about a third axis of rotation (4A).