Tactile Probe With Rotational Lock Mounting Segment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile/optical sensors face challenges in achieving precise alignment and easy interchangeability for various measurement tasks, with existing solutions often requiring complex adjustments and being less accurate due to inaccuracies in rotary/tilting joints and limited flexibility in handling different probe extensions.
Innovation Solution
A tactile/optical sensor probe with a flexurally elastic extension and a mounting segment designed as a rotational lock, featuring a non-circular external geometry for precise alignment, and a changeout interface for automatic probe extension replacement, allowing for easy adjustment and use of different probe extensions without additional setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotational lock mounting segment with non-circular external geometry is used, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting segment employs a non-circular external geometry (such as flat areas, protrusions, cutouts, or polygonal designs) that deviates from circular symmetry. This asymmetric design enables precise rotational positioning and alignment when inserted into the receptacle, eliminating alignment errors while maintaining a relatively simple structural form.
2Measurement precision
If probe extensions are manually adjusted and aligned, then measurement accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe extensions are pre-aligned and pre-positioned during manufacturing with the rotational lock mounting segment. The non-circular geometry is预先 configured to engage with the receptacle in a specific orientation, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments during probe replacement. This preliminary preparation enables quick interchangeability while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rotary/tilting joints are used for probe adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to joint inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The probe extension is divided into separate functional segments: a rigid mounting segment with non-circular external geometry for precise positioning, and a flexible probe extension portion for measurement. This segmentation eliminates the need for rotary/tilting joints in the mounting interface, as the non-circular geometry provides inherent positional accuracy without mechanical joints.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex adjustment mechanisms are used for probe alignment, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational lock mounting segment with non-circular external geometry serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides precise alignment, ensures correct rotational orientation, enables quick insertion and removal, and maintains reproducible positioning. This universal design eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, making probe replacement simple and intuitive while maintaining adaptability for various measurement tasks.
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
Enables precise and flexible measurement tasks with improved alignment and interchangeability, reducing measurement errors and increasing efficiency by allowing automatic switching between different probe extensions and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
a probe extension flexurally elastic at least in segments
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for tactile/optical measuring of geometric features and structures on a workpiece. In order to be able to precisely align the probe extension for performing precise measurements without problems, a probe is proposed comprising a probe extension (13) having a flexurally elastic design at least in segments and having a mounting segment for mounting in a receptacle (14) comprising a mounting segment (60) implemented as a rotational lock.