Telescopic Probe Rotation Mechanism for Stable Displacement Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing three-dimensional displacement measuring systems face challenges in accurately and stably measuring linear displacements of objects, particularly during high-speed events like vehicle collisions, due to the limitations of wire-type displacement measuring devices which struggle to keep pace with rapid movements and oblique collision forces.

Innovation Solution

The proposed displacement measuring device incorporates a rotation displacement meter and a variable resistor within a telescopic probe structure featuring a rotation applying mechanism with inclined groove portions and projection portions, allowing for stable linear measurement by detecting rotation angles and relative displacements, ensuring the probe can extend and contract in sync with the displacement object's movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a wire-type displacement measuring device is used to detect displacement of a probe attached to a displacement measuring object, then the device can measure displacement in a three-dimensional system, but the device cannot keep up with high-speed displacement movements such as during vehicle collisions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplacement detection speedVSAvoidmeasurement stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the wire-type mechanical displacement detection system with an optical measurement system. The optical system uses light reflection and detection to measure displacement, eliminating the mechanical constraints of wire extension and contraction. This substitution enables high-speed displacement detection during collisions while maintaining measurement reliability, as optical signals can be transmitted and processed much faster than mechanical wire systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the collision force enters oblique toward the fixed point of the displacement measuring device, then the displacement measuring device can be positioned easily, but the extension and contraction of the connection rod may be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning easeVSAvoidlinear measurement stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a rotational degree of freedom to the probe structure, allowing it to rotate around its longitudinal axis in addition to extending and contracting. This additional dimensional movement capability enables the probe to accommodate oblique collision forces by rotating to align with the force direction, preventing measurement failure while maintaining easy positioning. The probe can now respond to multi-directional forces through combined extension/contraction and rotation movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a telescopic probe structure with multiple cylindrical bodies is used, then the probe can extend and contract to follow displacement, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplacement tracking capabilityVSAvoidprobe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested telescopic structure where multiple cylindrical bodies of decreasing diameter are inserted into each other, similar to nested dolls. This nesting arrangement allows the probe to extend and contract efficiently while minimizing structural complexity. Each cylindrical body serves multiple functions: structural support, guidance, and measurement reference. The nested design reduces the overall footprint and simplifies the mechanism compared to alternative telescopic structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution enables linear and stable measurement of displacements, even under high-speed and oblique collision conditions, by effectively tracking the displacement speed and orientation of the object, preventing contraction prevention and ensuring accurate data capture.

Implementation Method 1

a rotation displacement meter that is provided in the probe and detects a rotation angle of the cylindrical body having the largest diameter relative to the front end member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation detection:

Implementation Method 2

a variable resistor that is provided in the probe and detects displacements of the cylindrical body having the largest diameter and the cylindrical body disposed on the inner side of the cylindrical body having the largest diameter in the extension and contraction direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVariable resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3355025B1Displacement measurement device
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 ISHIKAWA
  • EP3355025B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3355025B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3355025B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A displacement measuring device includes: a probe configured to have a telescopic structure that is capable of extending and contracting as a whole; and a measuring unit configured to measure a displacement of a front end relative to a base end of the probe, the probe includes a single cylindrical body or a plurality of cylindrical bodies having diameters different from each other and a columnar or cylindrical front end member that is movably inserted into the single cylindrical body or the cylindrical body having the smallest diameter of the plurality of cylindrical bodies and of which a front end is mounted to a displacement measuring object, and the single or the plurality of cylindrical bodies and the front end member have a rotation applying mechanism that applies a rotation movement in conjunction with a forward/backward movement when the inner cylindrical body or the front end member moves forward/backward relative to the outer cylindrical body in an extension and contraction direction.