Stylus Holder with Movable Securing Mechanism
Solution Overview
Problem
Coordinate measuring machines face challenges with stylus wear and temperature fluctuations, leading to measurement inaccuracies and the need for frequent stylus replacement, as well as issues during transportation and packaging due to mechanical damage and mix-ups.
Innovation Solution
A stylus holder with a movable securing mechanism and a base plate designed to accommodate the measuring machine adapter, allowing for secure fixation without applying high forces, made from flexible plastic that can withstand temperature changes and prevent brittleness, facilitating easy assembly and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the stylus is subjected to regular replacement due to wear and different measurement tasks, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases due to frequent replacement and re-procurement
Solution Approach 1:
The stylus holder is designed with a universal base plate that can accommodate different measuring machine adapters through a standardized interface. The holder body can securely hold various stylus types (different lengths, diameters, tip shapes, and materials) by adjusting the positioning elements, allowing one holder to serve multiple measurement tasks without requiring frequent replacement of the entire stylus assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder includes pre-configurable positioning elements and adjustment mechanisms that allow rapid reconfiguration between different stylus types. The base plate is designed with pre-marked positions and guide features that enable quick adapter changes without requiring complex alignment procedures, thus maintaining productivity while adapting to different measurement requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If the stylus components are connected using traditional methods (gluing, soldering, shrink-fitting), then manufacturing is simplified, but the joint becomes susceptible to mechanical damage during transport and use
Solution Approach 1:
The holder integrates multiple protective functions into a single structure: it combines mechanical clamping elements, positioning features, and protective enclosures into one unified device. The clamping elements securely hold the stylus components together during transport, replacing the need for separate adhesive or soldered joints while providing superior mechanical protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder incorporates cushioning elements and shock-absorbing features in its design to protect the stylus components during transport. The structure includes recesses and positioning elements that prevent movement and potential damage before it can occur, rather than relying on fragile joints to withstand transport stresses.
3Reliability
If the stylus holder uses a fixed locking mechanism, then secure fixation is achieved, but the mechanism applies high forces that may damage the stylus components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism features movable clamping elements that can dynamically adjust their position and applied force. The elements are designed to engage securely with the adapter while distributing clamping forces evenly, preventing damage to the stylus components. The mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states smoothly, allowing secure fixation without excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder incorporates flexible positioning elements and thin-walled structural features that can deform elastically to accommodate the adapter without applying excessive force. These flexible elements provide secure fixation through elastic retention rather than rigid clamping, protecting the stylus components from damage while maintaining reliable attachment.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the stylus holder is made from rigid material, then structural stability is ensured, but the material becomes brittle at low temperatures and may fail during temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is constructed from composite materials that combine the structural stability of rigid components with the temperature resistance of specialized polymers or metal alloys. The composite structure maintains dimensional stability across temperature ranges while avoiding the brittleness associated with purely rigid materials at low temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder material is selected and designed to change its physical parameters (such as flexibility and thermal expansion) in response to temperature fluctuations. The material maintains its structural integrity across temperature ranges by adapting its properties, preventing brittleness at low temperatures while ensuring stability during normal operation.
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 provides secure and efficient assembly of stylus components, reduces the risk of mechanical damage during transportation, and minimizes measurement inaccuracies by maintaining stylus integrity, while allowing for easy identification and handling of stylus variants.
Implementation Method 1
a locking device (1b) having contact surfaces (1b1) which are movable relative to the plane of the base plate (3) into a locking position in which they come into contact with the measuring machine adapter (2a)
Implementation Method 2
made from flexible plastic that can withstand temperature changes and prevent brittleness
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b~2c
AI summary
The invention relates to a stylus holder for a stylus which has a measuring machine adapter, a shaft, and a stylus tip, comprising a body which is designed to receive the stylus and has a movable securing means on the body. The body has a base which is designed to receive the measuring machine adapter, and the securing means has support surfaces, which can be moved relative to the base plane into a securing position resting on the measuring machine adapter provided in the base, and interaction regions in order to release the securing position of the support surfaces resting on the measuring machine adapter via said regions and/or in order to ensure the securing position by means of a hood or a support.