Adjustable Template for Blind Hole Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aligning blind holes in a first member with openings in a second member is challenging, especially when the second member obstructs visibility, leading to inaccurate marking or machining, which can result in misalignment and improper fastening, particularly in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable template with a base member and a locater guide member, where the locater guide member has an offset opening that allows it to move within the base member's opening, enabling precise alignment of blind holes in the first member with openings to be machined in the second member, using a locater pin to ensure accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the second member is positioned to overlie the first member to secure them together, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the visibility of the blind hole is blocked making location difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent template is introduced as an intermediary tool between the installer and the blind hole. The template allows visual transmission through its structure, enabling the installer to see the blind hole location through the template itself while the template covers the work area. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing both coverage and visibility simultaneously.
2Manufacturing precision
If the back marking method is used to locate the position on the second member, then alignment can be achieved, but the marking accuracy deteriorates in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The template incorporates integrated locating features such as pins or guides that automatically align with reference surfaces or existing holes. This self-alignment mechanism eliminates the need for manual back marking operations, allowing the template to locate itself accurately without requiring the installer to reach into confined spaces for marking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of marking from the back surface (one-dimensional approach), the template provides alignment references from the front surface plane, creating a new dimensional approach to location. The locating features extend from the template face, allowing alignment to be established from the accessible side rather than requiring back access.
3Manufacturing precision
If a marking tool is extended through the blind hole to mark the second member, then position transfer is possible, but marking accuracy decreases when the tool extends angularly from the central axis
Solution Approach 1:
The template incorporates asymmetric locating features with specific geometric relationships to reference surfaces. These asymmetric features provide unique, non-ambiguous alignment positions that prevent angular deviation. The asymmetric design ensures that only one correct orientation fits the reference geometry, eliminating the possibility of incorrect angular positioning that would occur with symmetric or generic marking tools.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable template includes a template base member defining at least one opening which extends through the template base member. The adjustable template further includes a locater guide member associated with the at least one opening, wherein a width dimension of the locater guide member is smaller than a width dimension of the at least one opening permitting the locater guide member to move within the at least one opening. An opening defined by the locater guide member extends through the locater guide member wherein a central axis of the opening extends in a direction parallel to and offset from a central axis of the locater guide member. A method of locating a position in alignment of a blind hole defined by a first member is also included. The method includes the steps of positioning a template base member and positioning a locater guide member.