Ultrasonic Probe Sleeve With Elastic Coupling for Fast Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic measuring devices require pre-definition of measurement positions, making them time-consuming, uncertain, and costly due to potential misalignment of the ultrasonic head with the surface to be measured.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic measuring unit with a tubular sleeve and an elastic support element, where the elastic support element protrudes beyond the sleeve's edge, allowing direct contact with the surface for precise measurements without the need for sound-coupling liquids, and is designed for integration with machine tools to facilitate automatic and precise measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a robotic arm moves the ultrasonic measuring head to defined positions, then the measurement can be carried out at specific locations, but the process becomes time-consuming and uncertain due to potential misalignment with the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic measuring head is designed with a movable tubular sleeve that can be dynamically adjusted during the probing process. The sleeve moves along the movement axis of the machine, allowing the elastic support element to make contact with the surface at the correct position automatically, eliminating the need for precise pre-definition of measurement positions and reducing measurement time while maintaining alignment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic support element automatically adapts to the surface geometry through its elastic deformation. When the tubular sleeve is positioned near the surface, the elastic element makes contact and deforms to conform to the surface shape, enabling the system to self-adjust and find the correct measurement position without external intervention or complex positioning procedures
2Measurement precision
If sound-coupling liquid is used for ultrasonic measurement, then coupling between the measuring head and surface is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic support element serves as an intermediary between the tubular sleeve and the surface to be measured. This elastic element provides the necessary acoustic coupling through its material properties, eliminating the need for external sound-coupling liquids while maintaining measurement precision. The elastic material naturally conforms to the surface and provides consistent acoustic contact
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic support element is a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed. It provides effective acoustic coupling without requiring expensive coupling liquids or complex coupling mechanisms, reducing both device complexity and operational costs
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 quick, precise, and cost-effective ultrasonic measurements by eliminating the need for sound-coupling liquids and improving alignment accuracy, reducing measurement uncertainty and time.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic support element consisting of an ultrasonic wave-conducting material
Implementation Method 2
the elastic support element protrudes beyond an outer edge of the tubular sleeve... during a probing process of the measuring instrument
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to an ultrasonic measuring unit for attaching to a measuring instrument. The measuring instrument is designed in such a way that the measuring instrument can be arranged on a movement axis of a machine. When the ultrasonic measuring unit is arranged on the measuring instrument, an ultrasonic measurement can be carried out by means of the ultrasonic measuring unit. The ultrasonic measuring unit comprises a tubular sleeve and an elastic carrier element. The tubular sleeve surrounds the elastic carrier element. The elastic carrier element consists of a material that conducts ultrasonic waves. At a first end of the tubular sleeve, the elastic carrier element protrudes beyond an outer edge of the tubular sleeve. The tubular sleeve and the elastic carrier element are intended to contact, in particular directly, the surface to be measured, during a probing process of the measuring instrument.