Expandable Flange Measuring Tool for Restricted Access Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring the space between components in aircraft manufacturing is challenging due to restricted access, requiring precise measurements that current methods, such as manual feeler gauges, often fail to provide, and enlarging holes or drilling new ones is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A measuring tool with an elongate member and flange that expands after passing through a hole, allowing precise measurement of the space between components, using a tube that transitions between compressed and expanded positions to prevent re-entry through the hole, and a measurement system to record the length of the space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual feeler gauges are used to measure space between components, then measurement can be performed, but measurement precision is insufficient for restricted access spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is segmented into multiple functional components: an elongate member for access through small holes, a flange for expansion and positioning, and a measurement system for precise measurement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, enabling precise measurements in restricted access spaces while maintaining ease of operation through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is designed to dynamically transition between compressed and expanded states. When compressed, the device can pass through small access holes; when expanded, the flange prevents re-entry and provides stable positioning for measurement. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by allowing the device to adapt its form to different operational requirements
2Ease of operation
If holes are enlarged or new holes drilled to access measurement spaces, then access to measurement spaces is improved, but structural integrity and assembly configuration are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is designed with locally adapted features: the elongate member provides localized access through existing small holes without requiring structural modifications, while the expandable flange provides localized positioning stability within the measurement space. This local quality approach allows access to measurement spaces while preserving the overall structural integrity and assembly configuration
3Ease of operation
If partial disassembly is performed to access measurement spaces, then measurement access is improved, but time and complexity of measurement process increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the measurement function from the need for physical access to the measurement space. By using an elongate member that can be inserted through small existing holes, the device eliminates the need to disassemble components for measurement access. The measurement capability is extracted and delivered through the hole, avoiding time-consuming disassembly and reassembly operations
4Productivity
If conventional measuring devices are used in restricted access spaces, then measurement can be performed, but measurement precision deteriorates due to access limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate member acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the external operator and the restricted measurement space. It transmits measurement capabilities through the limited access hole, enabling precise measurements without requiring direct access to the measurement space. This intermediary function resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision while working within access constraints
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for measuring a space between parts having restricted access is disclosed. An apparatus may comprise an elongate member, a flange, and a measurement system. An end of the elongate member is configured to move through a hole in a first structure into a space located between the first structure and a second structure. The flange extends from the elongate member. The elongate member is configured to expand after the flange exits the hole in the first structure such that the flange is unable to pass back through the hole. The measurement system is configured to measure movement of the end of the elongate member to identify a length of the space between the first structure and the second structure.