Spherical Measuring Apparatus Holding Unit with Vertical and Inclined Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spherical-form measuring apparatuses require separate holding units for measuring the forms of great circles and equatorial circles of a sphere, leading to complex measurement procedures and increased errors due to varying attitudes of the sphere part and stem part, which complicates the measurement process and reduces accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A spherical-form measuring apparatus with a single holding unit that can easily switch between vertical and inclined positions, maintaining a common correction for movement errors, allowing for efficient measurement of both great circles and equatorial circles without the need for separate units, by using a base part with both vertical and inclined holding parts that share a common intersection point and include sliding and height adjustment mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate holding units are used for measuring great circles and equatorial circles, then measurement coverage is complete, but device complexity and measurement procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of separate holding units for great circle measurement and equatorial circle measurement into a single integrated holding unit. This holding unit can be positioned in different attitudes (inclined for great circles, vertical for equatorial circles) to perform both measurement functions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining complete measurement coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The single holding unit is designed to be multi-functional, serving both as an inclined holding unit for great circle measurement and as a vertical holding unit for equatorial circle measurement. By enabling one holding unit to perform multiple functions through position switching, the patent eliminates the need for separate specialized holding units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sphere attitude is changed between measurements, then different circle forms can be measured, but measurement errors increase due to varying correction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the holding unit and base part configuration such that the sphere center maintains a consistent reference position regardless of whether the holding unit is in the inclined position (for great circles) or vertical position (for equatorial circles). This equipotential design ensures that the same correction values can be applied in both measurement modes, eliminating additional errors that would arise from attitude changes.
3Device complexity
If a single holding unit is used for both measurement modes, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain precise positioning may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic position switching mechanism that allows the holding unit to be accurately positioned in either the inclined attitude or vertical attitude. This dynamic switching capability ensures that the single holding unit can maintain precise positioning requirements for both measurement modes, preventing any compromise in measurement accuracy despite the simplified structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A spherical-form measuring apparatus includes a turntable 5, a holding unit 10 for holding the sphere 20, and a probe 6 for measuring a contour of a sphere part 22 of the sphere 20. The holding unit 10 includes a base part 12, a vertical holding part 14 and an inclined holding part 16 which are placed at separate positions on the base part 12. The vertical holding part 14 holds the stem part 24 of the sphere 20 with it set in a direction perpendicular to the turntable 5. The inclined holding part 16 holds the stem part 24 with it set in a direction at an angle. The vertical and inclined holding part 14, 16 are disposed such that their axial lines meet at an intersection point P and such that the distance from the point P to the vertical holding part 14 agrees with the distance from the point P to the inclined holding part 16.