Digital Grip Gauge with Shaped Tip for Aircraft Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring grip length in aircraft and vehicle assembly are manual, inaccurate, and ergonomically challenging, leading to potential gaps or force concentration issues that can cause fracturing.

Innovation Solution

A digital grip gauge with a shaped tip and pin mechanism, coupled with a measurement device, that allows for accurate and ergonomic measurement of grip length by inserting probes through an aperture, with automated data transmission and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual measurement methods are used for grip length, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip length measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an automated measurement system that uses a probe, tip, pin mechanism, and measurement device to automatically determine grip length. This substitution eliminates operator variability and improves measurement precision while managing device complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement device is configured to automatically measure grip length without requiring manual intervention for reading or recording. The system self-actuates through the probe insertion mechanism and automatically calculates the measurement, reducing the need for complex manual operation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual measurement methods are used for grip length, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement consistencyVSAvoidmeasurement device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an automated measurement system that uses a probe, tip, pin mechanism, and measurement device to automatically determine grip length. This substitution eliminates operator variability and improves measurement precision while managing device complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If repeated manual measurements are performed, then measurement data can be collected, but operator comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidoperator comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement device is configured to automatically measure grip length without requiring manual intervention for reading or recording. The system self-actuates through the probe insertion mechanism and automatically calculates the measurement, reducing the need for complex manual operation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an automated measurement system that uses a probe, tip, pin mechanism, and measurement device to automatically determine grip length. This substitution eliminates operator variability and improves measurement precision while managing device complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If automated measurement is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip length measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the probe, tip, pin, and measurement device into an integrated measurement system. By merging these components into a single coordinated mechanism, the system achieves automated precise measurement while managing overall device complexity through functional integration rather than separate independent components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11313660B2Digital grip gauge with shaped tip
Publication Date: 2022.04.26 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP
  • US11313660B2 patent drawing
  • US11313660B2 patent drawing
  • US11313660B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In an embodiment, an apparatus includes one or more probes, a tip, a pin, and a measurement device. The one or more probes may be configured for insertion through an aperture in a component. The tip may be slidably engaged with the one or more probes and include a first end configured to contact a first surface of the component. The first end of the tip may be conically shaped. The pin may be slidably engaged with the one or more probes and include a first end configured for insertion into the aperture in the component such that the one or more probes are configured to contact a second surface of the component. The pin may be configured to move between a first position and a second position. An axis of the pin may be substantially aligned with an axis of the tip. The measurement device may be coupled to the tip and configured to measure a value indicating a grip length.