Surface Shape Measuring Apparatus Automatic End Point Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface shape measuring apparatuses require operators to manually specify the measurement length for each workpiece, making the process laborious and prone to errors, especially when dealing with workpieces of different sizes or shapes, and can result in damage to the probe if not stopped correctly.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus detects an initial displacement when the probe is placed on the surface and compares subsequent displacements to determine if the measurement end point has been reached, allowing for automatic stopping without specifying the measurement length, thus enhancing measurement efficiency and preventing probe damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the operator manually specifies the measurement length for each workpiece, then the measurement range can be precisely controlled, but the measurement process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement apparatus automatically determines the measurement end point by detecting when the probe leaves the workpiece surface, eliminating the need for manual measurement length specification. The system serves itself by autonomously identifying measurement boundaries through probe displacement detection, thereby reducing operator workload and measurement setup time while maintaining precise measurement range control
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter from a fixed measurement length (manually specified) to a dynamic endpoint detection mechanism. By monitoring probe displacement and detecting when it exceeds a threshold (indicating the probe has left the surface), the system automatically adapts the measurement range to each workpiece, eliminating repetitive manual input while preserving measurement precision
2Ease of operation
If the measurement length is not precisely specified, then the measurement process becomes simpler, but the probe may damage the workpiece or itself by exceeding the measurement range
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors probe displacement during measurement and provides feedback to determine when the probe has left the workpiece surface. When the displacement exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system immediately stops measurement, preventing probe damage. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures both ease of operation (no manual length specification needed) and probe protection (automatic stopping at safe point)
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by establishing a displacement threshold before measurement begins. This pre-set safety parameter enables the system to prevent probe damage before it can occur, automatically stopping measurement when the probe approaches dangerous positions. This preliminary protective measure simplifies operation while ensuring reliability
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
This method simplifies the measurement process by eliminating the need to specify measurement lengths and prevents probe damage by ensuring the probe stops before exceeding the workpiece edges, improving workpiece handling and measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a displacement detector that detects an amount of displacement of the probe
Data Source
AI summary
In a surface shape measurement device that measures the surface shape of a sample (W1, W2) by moving a probe (16, 26) in a sliding fashion along the surface of the sample (W1, W2) and thereby detecting the amount of displacement of the probe (16, 26) caused by irregularities on the surface, an initial amount of displacement is detected which is the amount of displacement of the probe (16, 26) when the probe is first placed in contact with a measurement start point on the surface of the sample (W1, W2), and the amount of displacement of the probe (16, 26), detected as it is moved in a sliding fashion along the surface, is compared with the initial amount of displacement to determine whether the probe (16, 26) has reached a measurement end point.