A force feedback type distance measuring device and method

Abstract

The application belongs to force application distance measurement technology and relates to a force application feedback type distance measurement device and method. The device is applied to upper and lower automatic tilting devices of a coaxial helicopter and comprises a positioning and clamping assembly (1), a force application assembly (2), a base (3) and a dial gauge (5). The positioning and clamping assembly (1) is fixed to the upper surface of the base (3) and is used for positioning and clamping inner and outer rings of the upper and lower automatic tilting device assemblies. The force application assembly (2) is slidably connected to the upper surface of the base (3) and is used for digitally applying force to the outer ring yoke of the automatic tilting device assembly in the vertical direction. The dial gauge (5) is used for measuring the distance between the inner and outer rings of the automatic tilting device assembly after the force application requirement is reached.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention pertains to force application distance measurement technology, and relates to a force application feedback type distance measurement device and method. Background Technology

[0002] The swashplate and swashplate assemblies are key components in the helicopter flight control system. They alter the rotor blade pitch, control the helicopter's flight attitude, ensure flight stability, and improve flight performance, playing a crucial role in helicopter flight. During the assembly and manufacturing of the swashplate and swashplate assemblies, forces are applied to the outer ring lugs in both directions: a downward pressure and an upward support force. After applying force to the outer ring lugs of either the upper or lower swashplate assembly, the distance between the inner and outer rings is measured to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the assembly.

[0003] Traditional force-applying devices use manual weight addition to provide the required load. This method requires at least 2-3 people to work together, monitor the weight of the weights in real time, and conduct force detection. However, this method has the following main problems: 1) It can only apply force in one direction at a time, and cannot simultaneously meet the needs of pressure and support force; 2) The operation process is cumbersome and time-consuming, and the frequent addition and removal of weights increases the risk of safety hazards, potentially leading to personnel injuries or equipment damage; 3) The weight loading method has insufficient precision, making it difficult to meet the technical requirements of accurate force application detection spacing.

[0004] Related patents CN110715594B, "A Measuring Fixture for the Distance from the Spatial Center to the End Face," utilize mechanical structures such as a base, baffle, first pin, positioning pin, second pin, baffle screw, and positioning pin screw to measure the distance from the spatial center of a positioning pin to its end face on an aircraft. CN106123750B, "A Measuring Fixture and Method for Measuring Hole Parallelism," utilizes mechanical structures such as a positioning pin, positioning support, measuring support, base, precision measuring shaft, clamping plate, and positioning block to quickly measure the parallelism of two holes in production, unaffected by part structure, hole position accuracy, or hole parallelism accuracy. CN106679530B, "A Measuring Fixture," utilizes mechanical structures such as a support positioning component, clamping component, and adjusting component to effectively, conveniently, and accurately measure the distance between parts at both ends and the middle part of a product in production. Existing related patents have all made varying degrees of improvement to precision measurement technology. However, these existing technologies are not applicable to the technical problem to be solved by this invention. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the technical shortcomings of traditional force application methods, such as high operational complexity and poor force accuracy. These problems severely impact the efficiency and quality of product force testing, leading to prolonged testing cycles and inaccurate results. To address these shortcomings, this invention aims to provide a novel force feedback-based spacing measurement device. This device employs digital measurement technology and is designed to simultaneously measure downward pressure and upward support force. This force feedback-based spacing measurement device not only ensures the accuracy of force application but also significantly optimizes the operation process, making it simpler and easier to use. It solves many problems existing in traditional testing devices, effectively improving testing efficiency and quality control levels, and providing a reliable technical guarantee for the high-quality production of helicopter products.

[0006] The technical solution of this invention is: A force-feedback type spacing measurement device and method are proposed. This scheme uses a handwheel connected to the pressure head to apply force, replacing the traditional manual weight application method. Visual monitoring of the force data is achieved through pressure sensors and a digital display device, ensuring the accuracy of the force application process and guaranteeing the required force range for the process. After force application, a dial indicator is used for measurement. In terms of structural design, this force-feedback type spacing measurement device adopts a dual-pressure head configuration: both the upper and lower pressure heads are equipped with independent pressure sensors. A handwheel adjustment mechanism connected to a support component and a lead screw enables precise adjustment of the pressure head height. This unique structural design not only achieves pressure loading but also provides the necessary support force, meeting various testing requirements on a single force-feedback type spacing measurement device. This scheme significantly improves testing efficiency and operational convenience, providing an efficient and reliable solution for product testing. Through precise pressure control and real-time data monitoring, the accuracy and reliability of product quality testing are effectively improved.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a force feedback type spacing measuring device is proposed for use in the upper and lower automatic tilting devices of a coaxial helicopter, comprising a positioning clamping assembly (1), a force application assembly (2), a base (3), and a dial indicator (5); the positioning clamping assembly (1) is fixed to the upper surface of the base (3) for positioning and clamping the inner and outer rings of the upper and lower automatic tilting device assembly; the force application assembly (2) is slidably connected to the upper surface of the base (3) for digitally applying force to the outer ring fork lug of the automatic tilting device assembly in the vertical direction; the dial indicator (5) is used to measure the spacing between the inner and outer rings of the automatic tilting device assembly after the force application requirement is met.

[0008] In one possible embodiment, the positioning and clamping assembly (1) includes a support assembly (101), a support plate (102), a lock nut (103), a positioning bolt (104), a toothed positioning pressure plate (105), a lock washer (106), a clamping screw (107), a fastening assembly (108), and a connector; the support assembly (101) is fixed to the upper surface of the base (3) by the fastening assembly (108); the support plate (102) is disposed at the top of the support assembly (101) and serves as a positioning element to provide stable support for the lower surface of the automatic tilting assembly; the connection is achieved by using a hexagonal socket head cap screw. The support plate (102) and the support assembly (101) are reliably fixed; the toothed positioning plate (105) is set above the support plate (102) and has a toothed structure in the circumference. The positioning bolt (104) passes through the inner hole in the center of the toothed positioning plate (105) and its end is tightened and fixed to the center of the support plate (102) by the anti-loosening nut (103); the clamping screw (107) and the anti-loosening washer (106) are set at the top center of the toothed positioning plate (105). When rotating, they cooperate with each other to achieve effective fixing of the threaded connection. The axial force generated can effectively clamp the upper surface of the automatic tilter assembly.

[0009] In one possible embodiment, the support assembly (101) includes an upper connecting plate, a lower connecting plate, a standard steel pipe, and multiple vertical ribs surrounding the standard steel pipe. The upper connecting plate and the lower connecting plate are respectively fixed to the upper and lower ends of the standard steel pipe.

[0010] In one possible embodiment, the fastening assembly (108) includes a hexagon socket head cap set screw, a flat washer, and a spring washer. The hexagon socket head cap set screw passes through the spring washer and the flat washer in sequence, then is screwed into the threaded hole and finally tightened.

[0011] In one possible embodiment, the force-applying component (2) includes a handwheel assembly (201), a transmission screw (202), a motion assembly (203), a support assembly (204), a cross-connecting bolt (205), a digital display pressure sensor (206), an arc-shaped force-applying head (207), or a flat force-applying head (208); The bottom end of the support assembly (204) is connected to the base (3). One end of the transmission screw (202) rotates in the positioning hole of the fixed bushing. The transmission screw (202) is prevented from self-rotating by the shaft elastic retaining ring-A type, which is more conducive to the conversion of rotary motion into linear motion, and at the same time prevents the transmission screw (202) from rotating out of the fixed bushing. The other end of the transmission screw (202) is fixedly connected to the handwheel assembly (201). By rotating the handwheel assembly (201), the transmission screw (202) is driven to rotate. Two sets of motion components (203) with opposite threads are fitted onto the transmission screw (202). As the transmission screw (202) rotates, the two sets of motion components (203) move relative to each other. The digital pressure sensor (206) is connected to the end of the motion component (203) away from the transmission screw (202) by the cross connecting bolt (205). The arc-shaped force-applying head (207) or the flat force-applying head (208) is connected to the sensing side of the digital pressure sensor (206).

[0012] The handwheel assembly (201) requires the operator to rotate it. The clamping screw and connecting key connect to the transmission screw (202), which is the power source for the force application assembly. The transmission screw (202) is used to accurately transmit the rotational motion of the handwheel assembly (201). The motion assembly (203) converts the rotational motion of the transmission screw (202) into the vertical linear motion of the force application head (207) or the planar force application head (208), which applies force to the outer ring fork lug of the automatic tilting device assembly, applying a downward pressure to the fork lug and an upward support force to the fork lug.

[0013] The cross-shaped connecting bolt (205) is used for threaded connection of the digital display pressure sensor (206) and the arc-shaped force-applying head (207), and can also be used for threaded connection of the digital display pressure sensor (206) and the flat force-applying head (208). The digital display pressure sensor (206) is used for digital measurement of the applied pressure and support force to ensure that the applied force meets the process requirements. The arc-shaped force-applying head (207) is used for applying force on an arc surface. The flat force-applying head (208) is used for applying force on a flat surface.

[0014] In one possible embodiment, the handwheel assembly (201) includes a handwheel, a clamping screw, a locking washer, a cover plate, an end face set screw, and a connecting key; the handwheel, clamping screw, locking washer, and connecting key are connected to the transmission screw (202), and the end face set screw and cover plate are connected to the support shaft of the motion assembly (203).

[0015] The handwheel, as the base, is fitted onto the drive shaft through the central shaft hole. Its torque transmission is achieved through the connecting key embedded in the keyway between the handwheel and the shaft. The axial clamping and anti-loosening functions are completed by the clamping screw, anti-loosening washer, and cover plate working together. The cover plate is fixed to the end face of the handwheel to form a cavity, in which the anti-loosening washer is placed. The clamping screw passes through the cover plate and screws in to clamp the anti-loosening washer, so that it generates a continuous elastic reaction force, thereby locking the handwheel axially to the shaft shoulder. In addition, as an auxiliary circumferential fixation, the end face set screw is screwed in radially from the side of the handwheel hub, and its tip presses tightly against the shaft end, providing double insurance against rotation for the entire assembly.

[0016] In one possible embodiment, the motion component (203) includes a support shaft, a bracket, a positioning bolt, a spring washer, and a threaded sleeve; the threaded sleeve is fitted and connected to the transmission screw (202) to realize the rotational movement of the threaded sleeve; the bracket and the threaded sleeve are fixed together by the positioning bolt and the spring washer; the bracket is fitted on the support shaft; the support shaft has two elongated circular grooves; the rotational movement of the threaded sleeve drives the bracket to move up and down in a linear motion.

[0017] In one possible embodiment, the support assembly (204) includes a support, a set screw, a fixed bushing, and a shaft retaining ring-A type; the motion assembly (203) supports the shaft sleeve inside the support assembly (204) and is fixed with the set screw, the fixed bushing is installed on the support, the transmission screw (202) rotates in the fixed bushing, and the shaft retaining ring-A type is installed in the groove of the transmission screw (202) to prevent the transmission screw (202) from rotating out.

[0018] The base (3) is used to connect the positioning clamping assembly (1) and the force application assembly (2). It has a connection hole and an elongated hole at the connection between the positioning clamping assembly (1) and the force application assembly (2). The distance between the positioning clamping assembly (1) and the force application assembly (2) can be adjusted to meet the needs of more models of automatic tilting assemblies.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, a lifting assembly (4) is also included, which includes four eye bolts arranged diagonally on the base (3) for lifting the force application distance measuring device.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a force feedback type spacing measurement method is provided, employing the above-described force feedback type spacing measurement device, comprising the following steps: Install the autotilt assembly or the lower autotilt assembly onto the positioning clamping assembly (1); Adjust the relative position of the force application component (2) and the positioning clamping component (1) to ensure that the arc-shaped force application head (207) or the flat force application head (208) of the force application component (2) can apply force to the arc-shaped or flat surface of the outer ring fork lug; After the force adjustment assembly (2) is installed, force is applied to the outer ring fork lug, and the force value is read by the digital display pressure sensor (206) in the force application assembly (2); After ensuring that the applied force value meets the requirements of the process, use a dial indicator (5) to measure the distance between the inner and outer rings to complete the force feedback type distance measurement work.

[0021] The advantages of this invention are: The force feedback spacing measuring device of this invention adopts an integrated force application method of handwheel and pressure head, completely replacing the traditional manual weight loading method. The force spacing measuring device is equipped with a high-precision pressure sensor and an intelligent digital display, enabling real-time acquisition and dynamic display of force data, significantly improving force application accuracy and operational convenience, and comprehensively enhancing work efficiency.

[0022] This force-feedback spacing measuring device employs a dual-head independent operating mode, with each head equipped with an independent pressure sensor for precise measurement. Positioning and clamping are applied to the inner ring, ensuring the outer ring is only subjected to force from the force-applying components. Through optimized coordination of precision support components and a lead screw drive mechanism, the head height can be precisely adjusted simply by rotating a handwheel. This unique design not only achieves a high degree of integration between pressure loading and support force application functions but also provides strong support for the versatility and flexibility of testing operations.

[0023] This invention is not only simple to operate and highly practical, allowing a single person to easily complete the force application and spacing measurement work, but it is also safe and reliable to use, and can intuitively present the force situation. Unlike the traditional method of applying force by manually adding weights, the method of using digital equipment to detect the force situation can achieve a more accurate force application effect, solving the problems of insufficient force application accuracy, single force direction, and low operation efficiency in traditional detection methods. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1A : A schematic diagram of the force feedback type spacing measuring device of the present invention; Figure 1B : Schematic diagram of the force feedback type spacing measuring device of the present invention with an automatic tilter installed; Figure 2 : Schematic diagram of the positioning and clamping assembly (1) of the present invention; Figure 3 : Schematic diagram of the force application component (2) of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] The features and illustrative embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will now be described in detail. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without requiring some of these specific details. The following description of embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of the invention by illustrating examples of the invention. The invention is by no means limited to any specific setups and methods set forth below, but covers any improvements, substitutions, and modifications to structures, methods, and devices without departing from the spirit of the invention. Well-known structures and techniques are not shown in the drawings and the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention.

[0027] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of the present invention and the features thereof can be combined with each other, and the various embodiments can be referenced and cited in each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1-3, the force feedback type spacing measurement device is installed as follows: Figure 1A , 1B As shown, the positioning and clamping assembly (1) structure is shown in detail and its installation is as follows. Figure 2 As shown, the detailed installation of the force-applying component (2) is as follows: Figure 3 As shown. The positioning clamping assembly (1) and the force application assembly (2) are installed on the base (3). The positioning clamping assembly (1) and the force application assembly (2) can be moved along the length of the base (3). The installation can be completed by tightening the connecting parts. The force feedback type spacing measuring device is hoisted and moved by the lifting assembly (4). It can be directly transported by the overhead crane, which effectively avoids manual handling. The dial indicator (5) is a digital display testing device at the operation site. The operator can choose according to the testing accuracy.

[0029] In the positioning and clamping assembly (1), the support plate (102) positions and supports the lower surface of the automatic tilting assembly, that is, the lower surface of the inner ring. The toothed positioning plate (105) positions and supports the upper surface and inner cavity of the automatic tilting assembly, as well as the upper surface and inner cavity of the inner ring. By rotating the clamping screw (107), the toothed positioning plate (105) moves downward along the positioning bolt (104) to clamp the inner ring. All positioning and clamping positions are on the inner ring, ensuring that the outer ring is not subjected to other forces.

[0030] The force application component (2) drives the arc-shaped force application head (207) or the flat force application head (208) to move up and down by rotating the handwheel component (201) to apply pressure and support force to the outer ring. The transmission screw (202) is connected to the positioning key of the handwheel assembly (201) to ensure that the rotation of the handwheel assembly (201) transmits the rotational motion to the transmission screw (202). The transmission screw (202) converts the rotational motion into up-and-down linear motion through the motion assembly (203). The pressure sensor (206) is connected to the motion assembly (203) through the cross connecting bolt (205) to transmit the linear motion to the pressure sensor (206). The arc-shaped pressure head (207) or the flat pressure head (208) is connected to the digital pressure sensor (206) to transmit the linear motion to the arc-shaped pressure head (207) or the flat pressure head (208). The arc-shaped pressure head (207) or the flat pressure head (208) applies force to the arc-shaped surface or the flat surface of the outer ring fork lug. The magnitude of the applied force is fed back to the digital pressure sensor (206). The digital pressure sensor (206) includes a digital display, which can accurately display the magnitude of the applied force.

Claims

1. A force feedback type spacing measuring device, characterized in that, An automatic tilting mechanism for coaxial helicopters includes a positioning clamping assembly (1), a force application assembly (2), a base (3), and a dial indicator (5). The positioning clamping assembly (1) is fixed to the upper surface of the base (3) and is used to position and clamp the inner and outer rings of the automatic tilting assembly. The force application assembly (2) is slidably connected to the upper surface of the base (3) and applies digital force to the outer ring fork of the automatic tilting assembly in the vertical direction. The dial indicator (5) is used to measure the distance between the inner and outer rings of the automatic tilting assembly after the force application requirement is met.

2. The force feedback type spacing measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning and clamping assembly (1) includes a support assembly (101), a support plate (102), an anti-loosening nut (103), a positioning bolt (104), a toothed positioning pressure plate (105), an anti-loosening washer (106), a clamping screw (107), a fastening assembly (108), and a connector; the support assembly (101) is fixed to the upper surface of the base (3) by the fastening assembly (108); the support plate (102) is disposed at the top of the support assembly (101) and serves as a positioning element to provide stable support for the lower surface of the automatic tilting assembly; the support plate (102) is connected by a hexagonal cylindrical set screw in the connector to achieve the connection of the support plate (101). 102) Reliable fixation with the support assembly (101); the toothed positioning plate (105) is disposed above the support plate (102) and has a toothed structure in its circumference. The positioning bolt (104) passes through the inner hole in the center of the toothed positioning plate (105) and its end is tightened and fixed to the center of the support plate (102) by the anti-loosening nut (103); the clamping screw (107) and the anti-loosening washer (106) are disposed at the top center of the toothed positioning plate (105). When rotating, they cooperate with each other to achieve effective fixation of the threaded connection. The axial force generated can effectively clamp the upper surface of the automatic tilter assembly.

3. The force feedback type spacing measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support assembly (101) includes an upper connecting plate, a lower connecting plate, a standard steel pipe, and multiple vertical ribs surrounding the standard steel pipe. The upper connecting plate and the lower connecting plate are respectively fixed to the upper and lower ends of the standard steel pipe.

4. The force feedback type spacing measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fastening assembly (108) includes a hexagonal socket set screw, a flat washer, and a spring washer. The hexagonal socket set screw passes through the spring washer and the flat washer in sequence, and then is screwed into the threaded hole and finally tightened.

5. The force feedback type spacing measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The force application component (2) includes a handwheel assembly (201), a transmission screw (202), a motion assembly (203), a support assembly (204), a cross connecting bolt (205), a digital display pressure sensor (206), an arc-shaped force application head (207) or a flat force application head (208); The bottom end of the support assembly (204) is connected to the base (3). One end of the transmission screw (202) rotates in the positioning hole of the fixed bushing. The transmission screw (202) is prevented from self-rotating by the shaft elastic retaining ring-A type, which is more conducive to the conversion of rotary motion into linear motion, and at the same time prevents the transmission screw (202) from rotating out of the fixed bushing. The other end of the transmission screw (202) is fixedly connected to the handwheel assembly (201). By rotating the handwheel assembly (201), the transmission screw (202) is driven to rotate. Two sets of motion components (203) with opposite threads are fitted onto the transmission screw (202). As the transmission screw (202) rotates, the two sets of motion components (203) move relative to each other. The digital pressure sensor (206) is connected to the end of the motion component (203) away from the transmission screw (202) by the cross connecting bolt (205). The arc-shaped force-applying head (207) or the flat force-applying head (208) is connected to the sensing side of the digital pressure sensor (206).

6. The force feedback type spacing measuring device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The handwheel assembly (201) includes a handwheel, a clamping screw, a locking washer, a cover plate, an end face set screw, and a connecting key; the handwheel, clamping screw, locking washer, and connecting key are connected to the transmission screw (202), and the end face set screw and cover plate are connected to the support shaft of the motion assembly (203).

7. The force feedback type spacing measuring device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The motion component (203) includes a support shaft, a bracket, a positioning bolt, a spring washer, and a threaded sleeve. The threaded sleeve is fitted and connected to the transmission screw (202) to realize the rotational movement of the threaded sleeve. The bracket and the threaded sleeve are fixed together by the positioning bolt and the spring washer. The bracket is fitted on the support shaft, and two elongated grooves are provided on the support shaft. The rotational movement of the threaded sleeve drives the bracket to move up and down in a straight line.

8. The force feedback type spacing measuring device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The support assembly (204) includes a support, a set screw, a fixed bushing, and a shaft elastic retaining ring-A type; the motion assembly (203) supports the shaft sleeve inside the support assembly (204) and is fixed with the set screw. The fixed bushing is installed on the support, and the transmission screw (202) rotates inside the fixed bushing. The shaft elastic retaining ring-A type is installed in the groove of the transmission screw (202) to prevent the transmission screw (202) from rotating out.

9. The force feedback type spacing measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a lifting assembly (4), which includes four eye bolts arranged diagonally on the base (3) for lifting the force application distance measuring device.

10. A force feedback type spacing measurement method, characterized in that, The force feedback type spacing measuring device according to any one of claims 1-9 includes the following steps: Install the autotilt assembly or the lower autotilt assembly onto the positioning clamping assembly (1); Adjust the relative position of the force application component (2) and the positioning clamping component (1) to ensure that the arc-shaped force application head (207) or the flat force application head (208) of the force application component (2) can apply force to the arc-shaped or flat surface of the outer ring fork lug; After the force adjustment assembly (2) is installed, force is applied to the outer ring fork lug, and the force value is read by the digital display pressure sensor (206) in the force application assembly (2); After ensuring that the applied force value meets the requirements of the process, use a dial indicator (5) to measure the distance between the inner and outer rings to complete the force feedback type distance measurement work.

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