Blade Measurement and Transfer for Faster Rotating Assembly Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an efficient method to measure the physical attributes of blades attached to a rotating assembly, such as those used in aircraft engines or turbine generators, to improve work efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A measurement device is integrated into a manufacturing system that includes a transfer device, a measurement device, and an attachment device, allowing for precise measurement and attachment of blades to a rotating main body portion, utilizing a tray system, robots, and sensors to efficiently manage and measure blade dimensions, weight, and temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual measurement methods are used for blades, then measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but work efficiency is low and measurement time is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated measurement device that uses sensors and image processing technology. The measurement unit captures images of the blade and automatically calculates physical amounts through image analysis, eliminating the need for manual measurement operations and significantly improving work efficiency while reducing measurement time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement device enables self-service measurement where the system automatically performs measurement tasks without human intervention. The blade is placed on the placement portion and the measurement unit automatically captures images and calculates physical amounts, allowing the system to serve itself in the measurement process and thereby improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated measurement systems are implemented, then work efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement device integrates multiple functions into a single system: the placement portion serves as both a support structure and a positioning mechanism, the image capturing unit performs both image acquisition and preliminary analysis, and the calculation unit handles multiple physical amount calculations. This multi-functionality improves work efficiency while controlling device complexity by consolidating operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an image as an intermediary between the physical blade and the measurement calculation. Instead of direct complex mechanical measurements, the system captures an image of the blade and uses image processing to derive physical amounts. This intermediary approach simplifies the measurement system while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3939742B1Measurement device
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 HIRATA CORPORATION
  • EP3939742B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3939742B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3939742B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A manufacturing system manufactures a rotating assembly by attaching a plurality of attached target members in a circumferential direction of a rotating main body portion. The manufacturing system comprises a stand on which a storage member capable of storing the plurality of attached target members is placed a measurement device configured to measure a physical amount of the attached target member an attachment device configured to attach one attached target member to a predetermined position in the circumferential direction of the rotating main body portion based on the physical amount measured by the measurement device and a transfer device configured to transfer the attached target member.