Vehicle Control Body Rigging via Metrology Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating steering devices and control bodies in vehicles often result in unpredictable performance due to manufacturing variances and operational distortions, requiring costly and time-consuming adjustments to achieve stable and predictable vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A rigging method involving a metrology device with a reference structure and a material removal device to align a control body's alignment surface with a rigging point, using computer-readable program code to measure topology data and calculate optimal angular positions and feature dimensions for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional calibration methods are used for control bodies, then the calibration process can be completed, but the vehicle performance remains unpredictable due to manufacturing variances and operational distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration of the control body before final assembly into the vehicle. The rigging method determines the angular position and aligns the control surface to a reference surface while the control body is still accessible, allowing adjustments to be made beforehand. This prevents performance issues from developing during operation and ensures predictable vehicle performance from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment methods with a metrology-based system. Instead of using physical fixtures and manual measurement tools, the invention uses a reference surface defined by a metrology device and computer-readable program code to automatically determine deviations and calculate optimal angular positions. This substitution of mechanical systems with measurement and computation systems enables more precise and repeatable calibration.
2Reliability
If manual adjustments are made to achieve stable vehicle operation, then performance can be optimized, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the control body to be self-calibrated through the rigging method. The system uses automated measurement and computation to determine the optimal angular position and alignment without requiring manual trial-and-adjustment procedures. The computer-readable program code automatically calculates deviations and determines the precise positioning needed, allowing the calibration process to be performed efficiently by the system itself rather than requiring extensive manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the reference surface and measurement system to automatically detect deviations from the target relationship. The system measures the actual position of the control surface, compares it to the desired position, and uses this feedback information to determine the correct angular adjustment. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates the need for time-consuming manual trial-and-error adjustments and ensures accurate calibration in a single pass.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment of control surfaces is achieved, then vehicle performance is optimized, but the calibration process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a reference surface and rigging system that can be used across different control body types and vehicle applications. The reference surface defined by the metrology device serves as a universal reference that can accommodate various control surface geometries and mounting configurations. The computer-readable program code is configured to handle different scenarios and calculate appropriate angular positions for different control body types, making the system versatile and reducing the need for application-specific customization.
Data Source
AI summary
Rigging methods to calibrate control surfaces, and related systems are disclosed. A rotatable control body may steer a vehicle. Deviations of the control body shape may distort a relationship between vehicle controls and the control body. Calibration restores the relationship by establishing an alignment surface as part of the control body which may be aligned to a rigging point on the vehicle associated with a known control setting. A metrology device and/or computer software may be used for calibration. The metrology device may define a positional relationship between a reference surface, a rotational axis, and a target location of the alignment surface. By manipulating a surface of the control body to a target relationship relative to the reference surface, the location of the alignment surface may be achieved relative to the control body. In this manner, a rigging feature with the alignment surface may be formed to improve vehicle performance.