Ultrasonic Probe Spherical Joint for Accurate Bolt Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic probes for measuring bolt axial force face stability issues due to positional backlash caused by dimensional differences and unfavorable alignments between the socket and bolt head, leading to inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic probe incorporates a spherical joint configuration using a curved surface part and an elastic body, such as a coil spring, to stabilize contact with the bolt end portion, allowing for stable measurements despite positional variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional ultrasonic probe is used with a fixed structure, then the structure is simple, but stable contact with the bolt end portion cannot be ensured due to positional backlash
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by introducing a spherical joint mechanism consisting of a curved surface part and an elastic body. The curved surface part has a spherical contact surface that interfaces with the elastic body, allowing multi-directional movement and rotation. This spherical configuration enables the probe to automatically adapt to positional variations and maintain stable contact with the bolt end portion, resolving the contradiction between measurement stability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by replacing the fixed rigid structure with a dynamic spherical joint mechanism. The elastic body (such as a spring) provides flexible, movable contact that can accommodate dimensional differences and positional misalignments between the socket and bolt head. This dynamic structure allows the probe to self-adjust during operation, ensuring reliable ultrasonic contact without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If dimensional differences between socket and bolt head are not compensated, then the structure remains simple, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to unfavorable position relations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary spherical joint mechanism that mediates between the socket and bolt head. This intermediate structure includes a curved surface part and an elastic body that act as a buffer zone, absorbing dimensional differences and positional variations. The spherical joint serves as a mediator that translates positional mismatches into rotational movements, allowing the ultrasonic probe to maintain accurate contact with the bolt end portion without requiring complex positioning systems.
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 spherical joint design ensures stable contact with the bolt, reducing measurement inaccuracies caused by positional misalignments and enabling accurate bolt axial force calculations.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body receiving the curved surface of the curved surface part and producing an elastic force pressing the curved surface
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic probe (100) includes an oscillator accommodating part (110), a first coil spring (130), and a collar (140). The oscillator accommodating part (110) has an accommodation shaft (116) having an ultrasonic oscillator (111a) accommodated therein, and a curved surface part (114) connected to one end portion of the accommodation shaft (116) and having formed thereon a curved surface (114a) facing a direction opposite to a direction in which the accommodation shaft (116) is present. The first coil spring (130) receives the curved surface (114a) of the curved surface part (114), and produces an elastic force pressing the curved surface (114a). The collar (140) accommodates the first coil spring (130) and the curved surface part (114), and restrains movement of the curved surface part (114) pressed by the first coil spring (130). The curved surface part (114) and the first coil spring (130) configure a spherical joint (100J).