Blind Hole Locating Apparatus with Rigid Connecting Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an apparatus and method to reliably and repeatably locate a site on one side of a workpiece in a predetermined relation with an aperture on the opposing side, particularly in scenarios like repairing multilayered structures where a new aperture needs to be coaxial with existing apertures.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an apparatus with first and second locus-fixing structures and a rigid connecting member, where the first locus-fixing structure is configured to locate a site, and the second locus-fixing structure cooperates with the aperture to fix the apparatus in an installed orientation, ensuring the connecting member situates the first locus-fixing structure in the predetermined relation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional locating methods are used, then the apparatus is simple, but the locating precision and repeatability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locating apparatus is divided into separate modular components: first locus-fixing structures that engage with existing apertures, second locus-fixing structures that define new aperture locations, and rigid connecting members that maintain precise spatial relationships between them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall locating precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Rigid connecting members serve as intermediaries between the first and second locus-fixing structures, transmitting precise positional relationships while isolating the locating function from the workpiece. These connecting members maintain fixed geometric relationships that ensure repeatable locating across multiple operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If simple locating methods are used, then the apparatus is easy to manufacture, but the alignment accuracy for coaxial apertures is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The first locus-fixing structures are pre-configured to engage with existing apertures in the workpiece, establishing a reference framework before the actual locating operation. The rigid connecting members are pre-manufactured with precise geometric relationships, so that when assembled with the second locus-fixing structures, they automatically establish accurate coaxial alignment without requiring complex in-process adjustments.
3Reliability
If repeatable locating is achieved through precise fixtures, then the locating reliability improves, but the apparatus complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locus-fixing structures are designed with universal engagement capabilities that allow them to work with various aperture configurations and workpiece types. The first locus-fixing structures can engage with existing apertures of different sizes and orientations, while the second locus-fixing structures can define multiple potential new aperture locations, making the apparatus adaptable to different locating scenarios without requiring complex reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for locating at least one site on a first side of a workpiece in a predetermined relation with at least one aperture located on a second side of the workpiece includes: (a) at least one first locus-fixing structure; each respective first locus-fixing structure of the at least one first locus-fixing structure being configured for effecting the locating at least one respective site of the at least one site; (b) at least one second locus-fixing structure configured for cooperating with the at least one aperture to substantially fix the at least one second locus-fixing structure with respect to the workpiece in an installed orientation; and (c) a substantially rigid connecting member coupled with the at least one first locus-fixing structure and the at least one second locus-fixing structure. The connecting member situates the at least one first locus-fixing structure substantially in the predetermined relation in the installed orientation.