Segmented Coupling Rod for Length Measuring Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing length measuring devices face challenges in achieving high accuracy and reproducibility while maintaining a compact design and long-term seal integrity, as transverse forces on seals compromise tightness and measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A compact length measuring device design featuring a coupling rod that is rigid in the measuring direction but allows compensating movements transversely, using a tube and seal configuration that minimizes lateral forces on the seal, ensuring a stable and long-term tight seal and accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the seal is fastened to the housing via deflexible elements (wires, leaf springs, or rods) to enable transverse movement compensation, then the coupling rod can move transversely to compensate for mounting tolerances, but changing transverse forces are exerted on the seal which negatively affects tightness and measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling rod is segmented into multiple rigid sections connected by articulated joints. This segmentation allows the coupling rod to accommodate transverse movements through the articulated joints while maintaining rigidity in the measuring direction, thereby eliminating the need for deflexible seal fastening elements that would compromise seal integrity and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated coupling rod acts as an intermediary mechanism between the scale and the housing. It mediates the transverse movements by absorbing them through its articulated joints, preventing these movements from being transmitted to the seal and thus protecting both tightness and measurement accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tube with sliding seal is used to guide the coupling rod, then transverse movement is possible, but changing transverse forces are exerted on the seal and an additional rubber sleeve seal is required, both with reduced service life
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling rod is divided into rigid segments connected by articulated joints, which allows transverse movement compensation without requiring flexible seals. This segmentation enables the system to achieve transverse movement capability while maintaining rigid connections that do not compromise seal service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the transverse movement compensation function from the seal system and relocates it to the coupling rod's articulated joints. By taking out the compensation function from the seal, the seal is no longer subjected to changing transverse forces, thereby extending its service life and eliminating the need for additional rubber sleeve seals.
3Measurement precision
If the coupling rod is made rigid in the measuring direction, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but mounting tolerances and guide inaccuracies of the object cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling rod is segmented into rigid sections connected by articulated joints. The rigid sections maintain measurement accuracy by providing stable reference points, while the articulated joints provide the adaptability needed to compensate for mounting tolerances and guide inaccuracies through controlled transverse movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling rod transitions from a completely rigid structure to a dynamically adaptable structure with articulated joints. These joints allow the coupling rod to dynamically adjust its configuration to accommodate mounting tolerances and guide inaccuracies while maintaining rigidity in the measuring direction to preserve measurement accuracy.
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
The solution ensures high measurement accuracy and reliability with minimized lateral forces on the seal, maintaining tight encapsulation and extending the service life of the sealing unit, even in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling rod (22) is designed in such a way that it rigidly connects the scale (20) to the second object (2) in the measuring direction X, but allows compensating movements running transversely to the measuring direction X
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The device has a scanning unit (10) attached to a housing (11). A coupling rod (22) is connected with a measuring rod (20) that is moved within the housing to a longitudinal guidance (12) in a measuring direction (X). A tube (24) is extended longitudinally in the direction and is connected with the measuring rod, such that the tube is guided parallel in the direction by the guidance via an opening (25) of the housing. The coupling rod runs within the tube, where the tube enables balance movements, of the coupling rod within the tube, running transverse to the direction.