Handheld Fastener Hole Inspection for Misalignment Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener removal methods, such as conventional drilling and electrical discharge machining, often result in damage to the fastener holes due to misalignment, leading to material degradation and microcracking, which are not automatically detected or logged for rectification.
Innovation Solution
A handheld fastener removal inspection device equipped with image capture, processing, and analysis capabilities to assess damage, determine necessary rectification, and log findings, using a housing, diffuser, display, processor, and digital image capture device to provide automatic logging and reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional drilling or EDM is used for fastener removal, then fastener removal is achieved, but damage to the fastener hole and surrounding structure occurs due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection device is used before fastener removal to identify potential misalignment issues and assess the condition of the fastener hole. This preliminary inspection allows operators to adjust the removal process or take preventive measures before damage occurs, resolving the contradiction by detecting problems before they manifest as harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides real-time feedback on fastener hole condition and alignment during the removal process. By continuously monitoring and providing feedback, the system enables operators to make immediate adjustments to prevent material degradation and microcracking while maintaining efficient fastener removal.
2Measurement precision
If manual inspection of fastener holes is performed, then damage can be identified, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces manual visual inspection with automated digital imaging and analysis systems. The digital image capture device and processing algorithms automatically detect and measure damage, eliminating human error and significantly reducing inspection time while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device creates digital copies (images) of the fastener hole for analysis. These digital copies can be examined in detail, measured precisely, and archived for future reference without requiring repeated manual inspection, thus improving accuracy while reducing time loss.
3Reliability
If damage is not detected and logged, then inspection process remains simple, but structural integrity cannot be ensured and rectification cannot be planned
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically performs inspection, damage assessment, and logging functions without requiring complex external systems. The integrated system captures images, analyzes damage, determines rectification needs, and logs findings autonomously, ensuring structural integrity while maintaining manageable device complexity through self-service capabilities.
4Manufacturing precision
If rectification is performed without precise damage assessment, then repair process is simplified, but structural integrity may not be fully restored
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary damage assessment and creates a detailed rectification plan before the actual repair work begins. By identifying the extent and location of damage in advance, the system enables precise rectification while avoiding the need for complex real-time decision-making during the repair process.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener removal inspection device comprising: a housing, a diffuser, a display screen; a processor, a graphics processor, a digital image capture device, a power source, and a graphics processor. The graphics processor may be configured to overlay an offset overlay on a digitally displayed image of an inspection site. The display screen may be configured to display the inspection site, which may include a fastener being removed or to be removed, the offset overlay, and/or fastener setup data. The processor may be configured to process the fastener setup data and the offset overlay in order to determine an offset value from the offset overlay and said digitally displayed image.