Gap Measurement Mechanism for Internal Joint Width Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring structural gaps, such as those in beam-column joints, fail to accurately determine the actual width due to the complex internal structure, often resulting in inaccurate measurements that do not reflect the true gap dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A gap measuring device comprising a base, a driving assembly with first and second driving structures, a measuring mechanism with hinged measuring rods and a torsion spring, and a scaleplate holder, allowing for precise adjustment and measurement of gap widths by compressing the torsion spring and using a pointer within a rectangular frame to determine the gap width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ruler is used to measure directly at the outer edge of the gap, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is poor because the outer edge width cannot represent the internal width of the gap
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring rod is divided into multiple segments that can be extended and retracted. The rod includes a first rod body and a second rod body that can slide relative to each other, allowing the measurement tool to reach into the gap and contact the internal surfaces at multiple points, thereby capturing the true internal width rather than just the outer edge dimension
Solution Approach 2:
A reading mechanism serves as an intermediary between the measuring rod and the observer. This mechanism includes a scale and a pointer that translates the physical displacement of the measuring rod into readable measurement values, enabling accurate determination of the gap's internal width through the relationship between rod displacement and scale readings
2Measurement precision
If the measuring rod is extended to reach the deepest part of the gap, then the measurement covers the full gap depth, but the device complexity increases due to the need for extension and retraction mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring rod employs a dynamic extension mechanism where the second rod body can slide along the first rod body. This dynamic structure allows the rod to extend to reach the deepest part of the gap when needed, and retract to a compact form when not in use, balancing the need for full depth coverage with manageable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring rod undergoes periodic extension and retraction cycles during measurement operations. The rod is extended to contact the gap surfaces, held in position for measurement, then retracted and extended again as needed, allowing full gap depth coverage through repeated periodic action rather than requiring permanent extended configuration
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
Enables accurate measurement of gap widths by adjusting the measuring rods to fit the gap's internal structure, allowing for continuous measurement along the gap's length, providing precise width data.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring, comprising a first fixed leg and a second fixed leg, the first fixed leg being connected to the second end of the first measuring rod, and the second fixed leg being connected to the second end of the second measuring rod
Data Source
AI summary
A gap measuring device is provided, which includes a base; a driving assembly including a first driving structure including a first moving part being capable of moving on the base in a first direction and a second driving structure being connected to the first moving part and including a second moving part being capable of moving in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction; and a measuring mechanism including a measuring rod bracket, a first measuring rod and a second measuring rod, a first end of the first measuring rod being provided with a first detection head, a first end of the second measuring rod being provided with a second detection head, a second end of the second measuring rod being provided with a pointer, the first detection head and the second detection head being located on the same side of the measuring rod bracket.