Conductive Probe Apparatus with Biasing Spring for Aircraft Conductivity Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC conductivity measurement methods for aircraft structures are inefficient due to obstructed visibility, inconsistent probe contact, and the need for multiple operators, leading to increased labor costs and variability in measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A measurement apparatus with conductive probes that extend beyond a support leg plane, featuring a biasing force mechanism to maintain consistent contact pressure, integrated lighting for improved visibility, and a design that allows for single-operator use, reducing variability and labor costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If separate indirect lighting devices are used to illuminate the measurement area, then visibility of the ohm meter and structure surface is improved, but device complexity and operator workload increase due to requiring multiple operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting function with the conductivity probe assembly, integrating an illumination source directly into the probe structure. This eliminates the need for separate lighting devices and reduces the number of operators required, as one operator can now perform both positioning and illumination functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: electrical conductivity measurement, illumination provision, and positioning guidance. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity by consolidating what were previously separate devices into a single integrated unit.
2Ease of operation
If hand-held ohm meter and separate lighting devices are used, then measurement flexibility is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to variable probe contact pressure and obstructed visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly incorporates a spring mechanism that dynamically maintains consistent contact pressure between the probe and the structure surface. This dynamic adjustment ensures stable measurement conditions while preserving operational flexibility, as the probe automatically adapts to surface variations without requiring manual pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated illumination source acts as an intermediary that improves visibility specifically in the probe contact area, enabling precise positioning and measurement without requiring separate lighting devices. The illumination directly enhances the operator's ability to accurately place and read measurements.
3Ease of operation
If multiple operators are used to perform measurements, then operational flexibility is improved, but labor costs increase and measurement consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded probe mechanism performs self-adjustment to maintain consistent contact pressure, eliminating the need for multiple operators to coordinate positioning and illumination. The device serves itself by automatically ensuring proper probe contact, thereby improving measurement consistency while reducing labor requirements.
4Measurement precision
If probe contact pressure is increased to ensure good electrical contact, then measurement precision is improved, but the structure surface may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides dynamic, controlled contact pressure that is sufficient to ensure good electrical contact but not excessive to damage the structure surface. The elastic spring naturally limits the maximum force applied, preventing surface damage while maintaining adequate measurement precision through consistent contact pressure.
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 apparatus provides consistent and accurate conductivity measurements by ensuring consistent probe contact pressure and improved visibility, enhancing measurement accuracy and efficiency while reducing the need for multiple operators.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring coupled to the housing. The at least one spring applies a biasing force to cause the pair of conductive measurement probes to extend a predetermined distance beyond the support leg plane
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a measurement apparatus for obtaining conductivity measurements of a surface of a structure. The apparatus has a housing, and a pair of support legs depending from the housing. Each support leg has a first end, wherein the first ends define a support leg plane. The apparatus has a pair of conductive measurement probes slidably disposed between the support legs, and at least one force applying member coupled to the housing. The at least one force applying member applies a biasing force to cause the pair of conductive measurement probes to extend a predetermined distance beyond the support leg plane. A downward applied force applied to the housing, when the conductive measurement probes are in contact with the surface, causes a displacement of the conductive measurement probes, until the first ends of the support legs contact the surface. Conductivity measurements between the conductive measurement probes are consistently obtained.