Motion mechanism for measuring probe

A method for operating a measuring system including a measuring probe,

• the measuring probe comprising:
• a stylus having one or more contact portions that are configured to contact a workpiece to be measured;
• at least one detection element configured to detect a movement of the stylus as corresponding to a contact of a contact portion of the stylus with a workpiece;
• a signal processing portion configured to process a generated signal obtained from an output of the at least one detection element to output a measurement signal;
• and
• a stylus motion mechanism configured to enable motion of the stylus, the stylus motion mechanism comprising a first motion portion and a second motion portion;
• the method comprising:
• utilizing the first motion portion to enable motion of the stylus from a rest position in a positive axial direction when a corresponding force in the positive axial direction is applied by a contact of a contact portion of the stylus with a workpiece, wherein the positive axial direction is toward a proximal end of the measuring probe;
• and
• utilizing the second motion portion to enable motion of the stylus from the rest position in a negative axial direction when a corresponding force in the negative axial direction is applied by a contact of a contact portion of the stylus with a workpiece, wherein the negative axial direction is opposite to the positive axial direction.

A stylus motion mechanism for utilization in a measuring probe,

• the measuring probe comprising:
• a stylus having one or more contact portions that are configured to contact a workpiece to be measured;
• at least one detection element configured to detect a movement of the stylus as corresponding to a contact of a contact portion of the stylus with a workpiece;
• and
• a signal processing portion configured to process a generated signal obtained from an output of the at least one detection element to output a measurement signal;
• the stylus motion mechanism, comprising:
• a stylus coupling portion that is configured to be rigidly coupled to the stylus;
• a first motion portion configured to enable motion of the stylus coupling portion from a rest position in a positive axial direction when a corresponding force in the positive axial direction is applied by a contact of a contact portion of the stylus with a workpiece, wherein the positive axial direction is toward a proximal end of the measuring probe;
• and
• a second motion portion configured to enable motion of the stylus coupling portion from the rest position in a negative axial direction when a corresponding force in the negative axial direction is applied by a contact of a contact portion of the stylus with a workpiece, wherein the negative axial direction is opposite to the positive axial direction.