Angularity Gage Tapered Probe Hole Normality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the normality of drilled holes in aircraft components are cumbersome and inaccurate, particularly due to varying tolerances and the curved surfaces of airplane wings and fuselages, which can lead to structural integrity issues if fasteners are misaligned.

Innovation Solution

An angularity gage with a tapered probe and expandable shell that accommodates different hole diameters and tolerances, combined with a rack and pinion assembly and dial indicator, allows for precise measurement of hole normality by fixing the probe within the hole and rotating an indicator arm to detect deviations from normality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pin with diameter close to the drilled hole is used to determine hole normality, then the measurement process can be simplified, but the method becomes inaccurate for holes with varying tolerances and cold working deformations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement process simplicityVSAvoidhole normality measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pin insertion method with an optical laser alignment system. The laser beam provides a precise reference line that can be accurately compared against the hole axis without physical contact, eliminating the problems of pin fit issues and cold working interference while maintaining measurement simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary between the measurement system and the hole. This optical intermediary creates a virtual reference line that can pass through the hole without physical interference, allowing accurate angularity measurement without the mechanical contact problems inherent in pin-based methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pins with incrementally different diameters are used to accommodate varying hole tolerances, then adaptability to different hole sizes is improved, but device complexity and operator burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different hole diameters and tolerancesVSAvoidcollection of multiple pins with different diameters

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal laser alignment system that can measure holes of any diameter or tolerance specification using the same optical reference line. The laser system is not limited by hole size variations and can accommodate any hole configuration without requiring different measurement tools, thereby eliminating the need for multiple pins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from physical pin diameter to optical laser wavelength and divergence angle. This parameter change allows the measurement system to adapt to any hole size by adjusting optical parameters rather than requiring physical replacement of measurement elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the hole is cold worked to achieve tighter tolerances, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the hole geometry becomes non-rectangular causing measurement inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehole toleranceVSAvoidangularity measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical pin contact with optical laser measurement. Since the laser beam does not physically contact the hole walls, it is unaffected by cold working deformations, bell-shaped ends, or dished geometries that would otherwise interfere with pin-based measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If manual inspection methods are used to check hole normality, then equipment cost is reduced, but productivity and measurement consistency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidinspection speed and consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical laser system. The laser alignment system can quickly establish reference lines and measure multiple holes in rapid succession with consistent precision, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining measurement accuracy and eliminating operator variability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9354032B2Angularity gage

Publication Date: 2016.05.31 WEST COAST IND INC

AI summary

A device for measuring the normality of a hole in a work piece, especially in holes used in the building of aircraft. A probe fits within the hole to be measured and is fixed in the hole by contact at the upper end of the hole with a tapered portion of the probe, and at the lower end by a flared portion of the probe. An indicator assembly is connected to the probe by a bracket. The indicator assembly has an arm which contacts the surface of the work piece. The indicator assembly is rotated around the probe during use of the gage, and the arm is vertically displaceable as this rotation occurs. A dial indicator operationally connected to the arm will register any vertical displacement of the arm during its rotation, indicating any deviancy from normality of the measured hole.