Threaded Fastener Size Determination via Image Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the thread size and diameter of a screw or bolt are time-consuming and tedious, requiring either direct measurement or a trial-and-error approach using boards with different openings.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a computer with a camera and database to capture images of a threaded fastener and standard object, calculate thread size and diameter by comparison, and present the results to the user.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional measurement methods are used, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and tedious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethread size measurement accuracyVSAvoidtime required for measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a camera to capture an image copy of the threaded fastener and a standard object, then processes this visual copy to determine thread size. This replaces the need for physical measurement operations, enabling rapid non-contact measurement without touching or manipulating the fastener, thus reducing time while maintaining accuracy through image-based dimension analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical measurement methods (using calipers, micrometers, or trial-and-error with boards) with an optical system. The camera captures images, and computational algorithms analyze the images to determine thread size, substituting mechanical interaction with optical detection and digital processing to achieve faster measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If trial and error method with boards is used, then thread size can be determined, but the process is tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethread size identification accuracyVSAvoidease of thread size determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs the measurement and identification process without requiring user intervention in the measurement process itself. The user simply needs to position the threaded fastener and standard object for imaging, then the system autonomously processes the images, compares dimensions against database standards, and identifies the thread size, eliminating the tedious trial-and-error manual process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a camera and image processing system as an intermediary between the user and the measurement task. Instead of directly manipulating the fastener and boards, the user captures an image, and the intermediary system (software algorithms) performs the complex comparison and identification, making the process simpler and faster

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10810755B2System and method of determining size of a threaded fastener

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 STREETCARONTIN II JOSEPH ANGELO

AI summary

A system and method for determining a size of a threaded fastener includes a database and a computer. The database stores data including dimensions of at least one standard object. The computer includes a processor, a memory, a user interface, and a camera. An image of a threaded fastener and a standard object is captured by the camera. The processor then performs a calculation of the thread size and the diameter of the threaded fastener by comparing the dimensions from the database with the standard object and the threaded fastener in the image and presents the thread size and the diameter of the threaded fastener to a user.