Ultrasonic Probe Sleeve With Elastic Coupling for Precise Surface Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic measuring devices require pre-definition of measurement positions, making them time-intensive and unreliable, as the ultrasonic measuring head may be moved too far or too close to the surface, leading to inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic measuring unit with a tubular sleeve and a resilient support element, where the resilient support element protrudes beyond the sleeve's edge, allowing direct contact with the surface, eliminating the need for sound-coupling fluid and enabling precise repetition accuracy by being mounted on a machine's movement axle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ultrasonic measuring head is moved to defined positions by a robotic arm, then the measurement can be carried out at specific locations, but the positioning requires pre-definition and additional surveying which increases time consumption and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical robotic arm positioning system with an optical measurement system. The measuring instrument uses optical fields to automatically determine measurement positions without requiring pre-defined coordinates or manual positioning, thereby eliminating the time-consuming surveying process while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring instrument performs self-positioning by automatically surveying the workpiece and determining optimal measurement locations without external guidance. The system uses its own optical fields to identify and navigate to measurement positions autonomously, eliminating the need for pre-definition and reducing measurement time.
2Ease of operation
If the ultrasonic measuring head is moved too far away from or too close to the surface to be measured, then the measurement process becomes simpler, but the measurement reliability and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through optical field measurement. The measuring instrument continuously monitors the distance and position relative to the workpiece surface using optical fields, and automatically adjusts the measuring head position to maintain optimal measurement conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable measurements while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary optical surveying of the workpiece before ultrasonic measurement to pre-determine the optimal measurement positions and distances. This preliminary action establishes the correct measurement parameters in advance, ensuring both ease of operation and measurement reliability during the actual ultrasonic measurement process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a robotic arm is used to position the ultrasonic measuring head, then the measuring device can reach defined positions, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single measuring instrument that combines optical surveying, position determination, and ultrasonic measurement capabilities. This multi-functional instrument eliminates the need for separate robotic positioning systems while maintaining the ability to reach and measure at various positions on the workpiece, thereby reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the positioning and measurement functions into a single integrated system. The measuring instrument combines optical fields for position determination with ultrasonic fields for measurement, eliminating the need for a separate robotic arm system and reducing overall system complexity while preserving positioning versatility.
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 configuration allows for rapid, reliable, and precise automatic ultrasonic measurements without the need for pre-definition, reducing errors and costs associated with incorrect positioning.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient support element consists of a material that conducts ultrasound waves
Data Source
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.