Roughness Measuring Probe with Variable Skid-Tip Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roughness measuring devices face challenges in accurately measuring surface roughness on small-module gears and 3-dimensional structures, often delivering distorted results due to structural interference between the skid and probe tip movements, and are unsuitable for measuring tooth flanks as they either fail to penetrate deep into tooth gaps or get stuck at the tooth head.
Innovation Solution
A roughness measuring probe with a sliding element and probe tip arranged at the extreme end of a lever-like probe arm, featuring a skid with a large radius and a convex surface, allowing for precise measurement by minimizing the distance between the probe tip and skid contact points, and enabling the probe to penetrate into narrow gaps and follow the surface topography effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional skid sensor with fixed distance between skid and probe tip is used, then the structure is simple, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to structural interference between skid and probe tip movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the distance between the skid and probe tip variable rather than fixed. The probe tip is mounted on a lever-like probe arm that can pivot, allowing the distance to change dynamically during measurement. This enables the probe tip to follow the surface topography independently while the skid follows macroscopic unevenness, eliminating structural interference and improving measurement accuracy on complex surfaces like small-module gears and tooth flanks.
2Measurement precision
If the skid has a large radius to follow macroscopic unevenness, then the waviness detection is improved, but the ability to measure deep tooth gaps deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the functions of the skid and probe tip. The skid with large radius is dedicated to following macroscopic unevenness and waviness, while the probe tip on the lever-mounted probe arm is dedicated to detecting surface roughness and penetrating deep tooth gaps. This functional segmentation allows each component to optimize its performance for its specific purpose without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic mounting of the probe tip on a lever-like probe arm allows the measurement system to adapt to different measurement conditions. When measuring deep tooth gaps, the probe arm can pivot to position the probe tip appropriately. When measuring waviness, the skid's large radius naturally follows the macroscopic surface variations. This dynamic capability provides versatility for measuring different surface features.
3Measurement precision
If the probe tip is positioned to reach deep into tooth gaps, then the tooth flank measurement is improved, but the skid cannot reach the tooth head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by assigning different measurement zones to different components. The probe tip on the lever-mounted probe arm is optimized for reaching deep into tooth gaps and measuring tooth flanks, while the skid with its large radius is optimized for following the macroscopic surface at the tooth head and other broader surface areas. This spatial segmentation ensures comprehensive coverage of different measurement zones without mutual interference.
4Ease of manufacture
If a fixed distance arrangement is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but signal distortion occurs due to superimposed or canceling movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by replacing the fixed distance arrangement with a lever-like probe arm mounting for the probe tip. This allows the distance between the skid and probe tip to vary dynamically during measurement, enabling independent movement of each component according to the surface topography. This eliminates signal distortion caused by superimposed or canceling movements while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity through the use of a simple lever mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C
AI summary
A roughness measuring probe (15) with a sliding element and a stylus tip (15.4), wherein the stylus tip (15.4) is arranged in the region of the extremal end of a stylus arm (13.1) which has a longitudinal extension parallel to a longitudinal axis (LA) and which is mounted in a lever-like manner. The sliding element is designed in the form of a sliding skid (15.3) and the sliding skid (15.3) lies – viewed in a section plane (SE) – perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (LA), laterally next to the stylus tip (15.4).