Adjustable Camera Focal Length for Fastener Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera systems used for identifying fastener information in manufacturing, such as in aircraft assembly, often produce images of inadequate quality due to fixed focal lengths that do not adjust with changing distances between the camera and the fastener, leading to incorrect identification and installation issues.
Innovation Solution
A fastener installation system comprising a camera with a focal length corresponding to an elongate structure attached to the installation tool, which captures images of fasteners through a translucent channel, ensuring consistent image quality by maintaining a fixed distance and reducing movement-related errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed focal length camera is used in a fixed position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image quality deteriorates when the distance between camera and fastener changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the focal length adjustable rather than fixed. The camera system can dynamically change its focal length to adapt to varying distances between the camera and the fastener, ensuring consistent image quality regardless of position changes. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the camera to maintain measurement precision while keeping the overall device relatively simple.
2Ease of operation
If the camera distance to fastener is not consistent, then the ease of operation is improved, but the image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements Feedback by using the captured image to determine the distance between the camera and the fastener, then automatically adjusting the focal length based on this distance information. This closed-loop system allows the operator to move the camera freely while the system compensates for distance variations, maintaining image quality without restricting ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If the focal length is adjusted for different distances, then the image quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies Self-service by enabling the camera system to automatically determine its own distance to the fastener from the captured image and autonomously adjust its focal length accordingly. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control systems or manual intervention, achieving adaptive focal length adjustment while minimizing additional device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures high-quality image capture and accurate identification of fastener information, enabling precise installation by maintaining a consistent focal length and reducing the impact of tool movement or vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
The socket may be comprised of a metal in which a first translucent material may be associated with walls of the channel. The camera may be associated with the tool holder and may capture the image through the channel. The cylinder may be comprised of a second translucent material configured to transmit light from the light system to the fastener system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for processing a fastener system. A fastener installation tool may be placed on a surface of an object. An elongate structure (404) may be attached to the fastener installation tool (402) and may have a length (520). A camera (408) may be associated with the fastener installation tool in which the camera may be configured with a focal length (516) corresponding to the length of the elongate structure. The camera also may be configured to capture an image at least a portion (508) of the fastener system (508,510,512,514) when the elongate structure is placed against the surface (500) of the object (502) on which the fastener system is located. The image of the at least a portion of fastener system may be captured.