3D Probe Stylus Cleaning Chamber with Balanced Multi-Directional Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D measuring devices with styli face accuracy issues due to pollution from dust and particles, requiring effective cleaning methods that do not disrupt the measurement process.
Innovation Solution
A 3D measuring device assembly featuring a cleaning chamber with multiple supply openings or nozzles for evenly distributing cleaning and drying agents around the stylus, allowing for continuous measurement without influencing the stylus with the cleaning agents, and including a pressure regulator and control unit for precise agent dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cleaning agent is supplied directly to the stylus for cleaning, then the stylus is cleaned effectively, but the stylus registers incorrect measurement data influenced by the cleaning agent
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning chamber is segmented into multiple supply openings arranged at equal angular distances around the stylus. This segmentation allows the cleaning agent flow to be distributed from multiple directions, creating a balanced flow pattern that cleans the stylus surface effectively while preventing excessive accumulation of cleaning agent on any single side of the stylus tip, thus avoiding measurement data contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply openings are positioned at specific locations (equal angular distances) around the stylus to create localized flow patterns. Each supply opening contributes to cleaning a specific zone of the stylus surface, and the combined effect of multiple localized flows achieves uniform cleaning without creating harmful imbalances that would affect measurement accuracy.
2Productivity
If the stylus is cleaned during the measurement process, then continuous measurement is possible, but the cleaning agent may influence the measurement process
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cleaning agent supply into multiple openings arranged symmetrically around the stylus, the system achieves balanced cleaning forces that do not create directional biases or excessive agent accumulation on the stylus tip. This balanced approach enables continuous cleaning during measurement without introducing measurement errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is designed to operate continuously during the measurement process without interrupting measurement operations. The balanced multi-directional flow ensures that cleaning action is maintained uniformly around the stylus throughout continuous operation, eliminating the need to stop measurement for cleaning while preventing measurement data contamination.
3Measurement precision
If multiple supply openings are used to spray cleaning agent from different locations, then the whole outer surface of the stylus is cleaned, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each supply opening is positioned to provide localized cleaning coverage to a specific zone of the stylus surface. By strategically placing multiple openings at equal angular distances, the system achieves complete coverage of the stylus outer surface through the combined localized flows, maximizing cleaning effectiveness while using a manageable number of openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply openings are arranged symmetrically at equal angular distances around the stylus, creating a balanced geometric pattern. This symmetric arrangement ensures uniform cleaning distribution around the entire stylus circumference, achieving thorough cleaning of the whole outer surface through a regular, predictable pattern that is easier to design and manufacture compared to asymmetric arrangements.
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
Ensures thorough cleaning and drying of the stylus without interrupting the measurement process, maintaining data accuracy by balancing agent flows and preventing external particles from entering the cleaning chamber.
Implementation Method 1
said cleaning agent and/or said drying agent may be sprayed or blown in the direction of the stylus
Implementation Method 2
the different flows of cleaning agent and/or drying agent will balance out or will be in an equilibrium at the common location
Implementation Method 3
a pressure regulator for adjusting a pressure of said cleaning agent and/or said drying agent
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for cleaning a stylus (1) of a measuring probe (2), said device comprising: • - a cleaning chamber (4) for accommodating said stylus (1) during a cleaning process, said cleaning chamber (4) comprising an opening (5) for introducing and removing said stylus (1) in and from said cleaning chamber (4); • - supply means (7) for supplying a cleaning agent, for example a cleaning liquid or aerosol, and/or a drying agent, for example air, into said cleaning chamber (4) for cleaning and/or drying said stylus (1). The invention further relates to an assembly of such a device and a measuring machine.