Control Ring for Lubricating Strip Dimensional Verification

The patent creates a simplified two-dimensional copy of the three-dimensional measurement problem by projecting the cylindrical shaft with lubricating strips onto a flat measurement plane. The control device uses a flat template with notches that represent the projected view of the strips, allowing operators to verify dimensions without complex 3D scanning equipment. This copying approach maintains measurement reliability while dramatically reducing device complexity and operational difficulty.

Instead of introducing measurement elements into the fastener (intrusive measurement), the patent inverts the approach by placing the measurement template around the external surface of the shaft. The flat template with notches is positioned circumferentially around the cylinder, allowing non-intrusive verification of strip dimensions from the outside, which is much easier to operate and does not interfere with the fastener's function.

The patent employs a disposable flat template made from inexpensive materials such as plastic or thin metal sheet. Rather than creating a durable, expensive measurement device, the template is designed to be low-cost and replaceable. This approach maintains reliability through sufficient service life for production line use while keeping manufacturing extremely simple and costs low, aligning with the principle of using cheap, short-living objects for measurement tools.