Dot Pattern Fastener Targeting System for Aircraft Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener removal systems often damage structural components due to misalignment, especially in critical environments like aircraft, leading to costly repairs and potential catastrophic failures.
Innovation Solution
A fastener targeting system utilizing a dot pattern alignment method within a bombsight and vacuum fixture, allowing precise alignment without obstructing the fastener's outer edges, enabling safe removal and accommodating various fastener diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional alignment methods are used, then alignment can be achieved, but the outer edges of the fastener are obstructed and misalignment damages structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system divides the fastener into multiple reference points (first plurality of marks on first axis, second plurality of marks on second axis, third plurality of marks on third axis) rather than using continuous lines. This segmentation allows alignment without obstructing the outer edges of the fastener, enabling precise measurement while avoiding structural damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional line-based alignment to three-dimensional dot pattern alignment across multiple axes. By positioning marks in three-dimensional space around the fastener center, the system achieves precise alignment without blocking the fastener's outer edges, thus preventing structural damage.
2Measurement precision
If continuous line alignment is used, then alignment is achieved, but it obstructs the outer edges of the fastener
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous line alignment is segmented into discrete mark positions along multiple axes. This segmentation replaces obstructive continuous lines with non-obstructive discrete points, maintaining alignment capability while preserving fastener outer edge accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a projected image of marks rather than physical continuous lines. This optical copying approach allows alignment information to be displayed without physical obstruction of the fastener edges, enabling both precise measurement and edge accessibility.
3Measurement precision
If alignment systems are designed for specific fastener sizes, then precision is improved, but adaptability to different fastener diameters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is designed with multiple axes and adjustable mark positions that can accommodate fasteners of various diameters. The same system can be configured for different fastener sizes by adjusting which marks are used and their spacing, providing both precision and adaptability across multiple fastener types.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system allows dynamic adjustment of mark selection and positioning based on the specific fastener diameter being serviced. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables the system to maintain high precision alignment accuracy while adapting to different fastener sizes without requiring multiple dedicated systems.
4Measurement precision
If complex alignment procedures are used, then alignment accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment marks are pre-positioned along multiple axes at predetermined intervals, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations during alignment. This preliminary preparation of reference points allows for quick and accurate alignment by simply matching the projected image to the physical fastener features.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical alignment procedures with optical projection and visual matching. By using projected images of marks that can be visually compared to physical fastener features, the system achieves high alignment accuracy while significantly reducing the time required compared to traditional mechanical measurement and calculation methods.
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 system ensures accurate and damage-free fastener removal, maintaining structural integrity, reducing repair costs, and saving time by facilitating quick and flexible alignment with different fastener sizes.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum fixture
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first end and a second end opposed to the first end. A body connects the first end to the second end. The second end includes a mark in a center of the second end, a first plurality of marks positioned on a first axis, a second plurality of marks positioned on the first axis on an opposite side of the center mark as the first plurality of marks, a third plurality of marks positioned on a second axis, a fourth plurality of marks positioned on the second axis on an opposite side of the center mark as the third plurality of marks, a fifth plurality of marks positioned on a third axis, and a sixth plurality of marks positioned on the third axis on an opposite side of the center mark as the fifth plurality of marks.