US 6,640,459 B1 · Multidimensional contact mechanics measurement system

Abstract

A multidimensional surface mechanics measurement system applies forces to a surface while minimizing coupling between the forces so applied. The system includes first, second, and third elongate members, a coupler for coupling the elongate members together, and a probe connected to the coupler having a contact point for contacting the surface. The first elongate member extends in a first axial direction that is substantially normal to the surface, the second elongate member extends in a second axial direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first axial direction, and the third elongate member extends in a third axial direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first and second axial directions. Desired relationships between the free length and diameter, and between the axial stiffness and transverse stiffness, and the orthogonal relative positioning of the elongate members, minimizes cross-talk between the measurement axes while maintaining the necessary structural rigidity.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A multidimensional surface mechanics measurement system for applying forces to a surface or imposing displacements of a surface in multiple directions, and for minimizing coupling between the forces or displacements so applied, the system comprising:

a first elongate fiber extending in a first axial direction, and having first and second ends;
a second elongate fiber extending in a second axial direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first axial direction, and having first and second ends;
and
a coupler for coupling the first elongate fiber to the second elongate fiber, the coupler attached to the first end of the first elongate fiber and to the first end of the second elongate fiber;
a first actuator attached to the first elongate fiber adjacent the second end of the first elongate fiber for applying a first axial force or imposing a first axial displacement to the first elongate fiber in the first axial direction;
a second actuator attached to the second elongate fiber adjacent the second end of the second elongate fiber for applying a second axial force or imposing a second axial displacement to the second elongate fiber in the second axial direction;
and
a probe connected to the coupler having a contact point for interacting with the surface.

5 more elements

a first elongate fiber extending in a first axial direction that is substantially normal to the surface, having a first axial stiffness in the first axial direction, and having a first transverse stiffness in a direction transverse to the first axial direction, where a ratio of the first axial stiffness to the first transverse stiffness ranges from approximately 3,000 to 30,000, and having a first end with a first outside diameter;
a second elongate fiber extending in a second axial direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first axial direction, having a second axial stiffness in the second axial direction, having a second transverse stiffness in a direction transverse to the second axial direction, where a ratio of the second axial stiffness to the second transverse stiffness ranges from approximately 3,000 to 30,000, and having a first end with a second outside diameter;
a coupler for coupling the first elongate fiber to the second elongate fiber, comprising:
a first rigid member aligned with the first axial direction, the first rigid member having a first shaft with a first inside diameter of no less than the first outside diameter of the first end of the first elongate fiber;
and
a second rigid member coupled to the first rigid member and aligned with the second axial direction, the second rigid member having a second shaft with a second inside diameter of no less than the second outside diameter of the first end of the second elongate fiber;
and
a probe connected to the coupler having a contact point for interacting with the surface.

5 more elements

a first elongate fiber extending in a first axial direction that is substantially normal to the surface, and having first and second ends;
a first actuator coupled to the first elongate fiber adjacent the second end of the first elongate fiber for applying a first axial force to the first elongate fiber in the first axial direction;
a second elongate fiber extending in a second axial direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first axial direction, and having first and second ends;
a second actuator coupled to the second elongate fiber adjacent the second end of the second elongate fiber for applying a second axial force to the second elongate fiber in the second axial direction;
and
a coupler for coupling the first elongate fiber to the second elongate fiber, comprising:
means for attaching the first elongate fiber to the coupler adjacent the first end of the first elongate fiber;
and
means for attaching the second elongate fiber to the coupler adjacent the first end of the second elongate fiber, whereby the second elongate fiber is disposed substantially orthogonal to the first elongate fiber;
and
a probe connected to the coupler having a contact point for interacting with the surface.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multidimensional contact mechanics measurement system

Life of this patent

Multidimensional contact mechanics measurement system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21