Tapering Recess Probe Tip Connection for CMM Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Coordinate measuring machines face inaccuracies due to mechanical damage and wear of probing means, particularly at the connection between the probe tip and shaft, leading to tilting or jamming issues that result in measurement errors, despite efforts to enhance bonding surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A probing means with a tapering recess in the probe tip and a complementary shaft projection, allowing for high bonding forces while preventing tilting or jamming upon bond damage, ensuring the probe tip loosens and is easily detectable, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bonding surface is enlarged (e.g., cylindrical pin connection), then bonding forces are improved, but tilting or jamming occurs when the bond is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies asymmetry by using a conical connection geometry instead of a cylindrical one. The cone angle creates an asymmetric stress distribution that prevents tilting when the bond is damaged, while still providing sufficient bonding surface area through the conical interface between the probe tip recess and shaft projection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the connection by introducing a specific cone angle (between 5° and 30°) for both the recess in the probe tip and the complementary projection on the shaft. This parameter change optimizes both bonding strength and resistance to tilting, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If a hollow calotte or conical depression is used for bonding, then the probe tip processing is simplified, but bonding forces are reduced due to small bonding surface
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a shallow surface depression (calotte or conical depression) to a deeper conical recess that extends into the probe tip. This dimensional change increases the bonding surface area and volume, providing sufficient bonding forces while maintaining the simplicity of processing the hard probe tip material.
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 a stable and accurate connection that automatically identifies defects, preventing unrecognized measurement errors and ensuring high dimensional accuracy by allowing the probe tip to detach visibly when damaged.
Implementation Method 1
the probe tip and the shaft are as a rule bonded or soldered
Implementation Method 2
the probe tip loosens and is easily detectable, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a probing means for coordinate measuring machines, with a probe tip having a recess and a shaft penetrating with a shoulder into the recess. According to the invention, the recess tapers towards the interior of the probe tip and the shaft has a construction complementary thereto.