Switchable Position Determiners for Columnar Work Piece Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring apparatuses are limited in their ability to determine the position of columnar work pieces with different shapes using a single apparatus, as they are typically configured to measure specific shapes like crank shafts and lack a versatile positioning system for varied columnar work pieces.
Innovation Solution
A measuring apparatus with a support mechanism that includes a first and second end support portion, a rotary table, and a mounting portion for switchable position determiners, allowing for the determination of columnar work pieces with different shapes by mounting either a first or second position determiner depending on the work piece, enabling efficient positioning without shifting relative phases during measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single position determiner is used in the measuring apparatus, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to measure different shapes of columnar work pieces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a position determiner switching mechanism that allows a single measuring apparatus to accommodate multiple position determiners (first position determiner for crank shafts, second position determiner for cam shafts) through a mounting portion on the rotary table. This enables one apparatus to perform multiple measurement functions for different work piece shapes without requiring separate dedicated devices for each shape type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple position determiners are provided for different work piece shapes, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic switching mechanism where the operator can change the mounted position determiner based on the work piece shape being measured. The mounting portion on the rotary table is designed to accept different position determiners, allowing the system to adapt its configuration dynamically rather than being fixed, thus managing complexity through controlled flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The position determination function is segmented into separate modular position determiners (first for crank shafts, second for cam shafts) that can be independently selected and mounted. This segmentation allows each position determiner to be optimized for specific work piece shapes while maintaining overall system manageability through the standardized mounting interface.
3Manufacturing precision
If the position determiner is fixed for a specific work piece shape, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the adaptability to other shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting portion on the rotary table is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of position determiners. Each position determiner maintains its specialized configuration for optimal precision with its target work piece shape (crank shaft or cam shaft), while the universal mounting mechanism enables cross-compatibility, allowing the same apparatus to achieve accurate positioning for different shapes by switching appropri
Data Source
AI summary
Measuring apparatus includes an upper support supporting a first end of a columnar work piece in an axis direction, a lower support supporting a second end of the work piece in the axis direction, a probe measuring the work piece supported by the upper support and lower support, a rotary table coupled to the lower support and capable of rotating centered in the axis direction, and a post provided to the rotary table and mounting a first position determiner and a second position determiner so as to be switchable, the first and second position determiner determining a position of the work piece with respect to the rotary table. When a first columnar work piece as the work piece is supported by the upper support and lower support, the first position determiner is mounted to the post to determine a position by contacting the first work piece.