Threaded Chaser Probe with Elastic Adapter for Misaligned Holes

Solution Overview

Problem

High volume production of threaded parts faces challenges with quality control due to misalignment, both axial and angular, which can lead to jamming and malfunction in existing devices, particularly in high-speed processes.

Innovation Solution

An automatic device with a driven threaded member and a cooperating threaded chaser probe that includes an adapter with a low-friction semi-circular retainer system and angular offset spring, allowing for lateral and angular adjustments to align with misaligned threaded parts, ensuring proper engagement and preventing jamming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a fixed threaded gage is used for high-speed testing, then productivity is improved, but the device cannot accommodate misaligned threaded parts causing jamming and malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting speedVSAvoiddevice operation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The probe holder is made movable relative to the adapter, allowing the threaded chaser probe to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. The resilient member enables the probe holder to move laterally and angularly, accommodating misaligned threaded parts while maintaining high-speed operation without jamming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the positional parameters of the probe holder relative to the adapter by allowing lateral and angular movements. This parameter adjustment enables the probe to align with misaligned threaded parts, resolving the contradiction between high-speed fixed positioning and accommodation of misalignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the threaded chaser probe is rigidly fixed, then manufacturing precision is improved, but lateral and angular misalignments cause jamming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethread gaging accuracyVSAvoidaccommodation of misaligned parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The probe holder is made movable relative to the adapter, allowing the threaded chaser probe to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. The resilient member enables the probe holder to move laterally and angularly, accommodating misaligned threaded parts while maintaining high-speed operation without jamming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient member automatically adjusts the probe holder's position and orientation in response to misaligned threaded parts. The system self-corrects for lateral offset and angular tipping without external intervention, maintaining both precision and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If high-speed alternating advancement and retraction is implemented, then productivity is improved, but misalignment causes jamming and malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction line speedVSAvoidsmooth operation without jamming

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The probe holder is made movable relative to the adapter, allowing the threaded chaser probe to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. The resilient member enables the probe holder to move laterally and angularly, accommodating misaligned threaded parts while maintaining high-speed operation without jamming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables rapid testing and correction of threaded parts with high-speed operation, accommodating both lateral and angular misalignments, thereby preventing jamming and ensuring continuous production line operation.

Implementation Method 1

A resilient member is disposed around the axial shaft contacting the flange on the probe holder. In this manner, the threaded chaser probe may move laterally and angularly with respect to the apparatus to align with threaded aperture.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7513720B2Apparatus and method for gaging, tapping and re-chasing threads in out-of-position holes

Publication Date: 2009.04.07 NEW VISTA CORP

AI summary

A device gaging, tapping and/or re-chasing threaded devices which automatically accommodates and corrects for both lateral offset and angular offset between the longitudinal axis of the threaded member of the device and the threaded member being tested.