Hole Pattern Tolerance Analysis Framework
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing industry lacks an efficient method to determine whether feature-related tolerances are met for parts with multiple design sizes, particularly in aircraft assembly, where hole patterns with varying sizes and locations are not accurately evaluated using current inspection methods, leading to high error rates and increased analysis time.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that create a framework from features to fit manufactured internal features, identifying remaining clearances and forming geometric shapes around a true position to determine a common region and minimum float, allowing for accurate assessment of positional and size tolerances of holes, thereby ensuring proper assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If paper gauging method is used to inspect hole patterns, then manual inspection can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and has high error rates in determining best fitting circles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual paper gauging with an automated computer-based system that uses inspection data and simulation data to evaluate hole patterns. The system automatically determines best fitting circles and assesses feature-related tolerances, eliminating manual measurement errors and reducing inspection time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the hole pattern by generating a framework from inspection data and comparing it with simulation data. This digital replication allows for precise automated analysis of hole positions and sizes without physical manual measurement, improving both accuracy and efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If variation analysis software with multiple iterations is used to assess feature-related tolerances, then accuracy may be increased, but the amount of analysis time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by creating a framework from inspection data before comparing it with simulation data. This pre-processing step organizes the data structure in advance, allowing for more efficient tolerance assessment without requiring multiple iterative calculations, thus improving both accuracy and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential feature data (hole positions, sizes, and orientations) from the inspection data and focuses the analysis specifically on these critical parameters. By extracting and analyzing only the necessary information rather than performing comprehensive multiple iterations, the system achieves accurate tolerance assessment with reduced analysis time.
3Manufacturing precision
If current inspection methods are used for hole patterns with multiple design sizes, then existing tools can be utilized, but accurate assessment of combined feature parameters cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal framework that can handle hole patterns with multiple design sizes and different feature types. The system generates a comprehensive framework from inspection data that accommodates varying hole sizes, positions, and orientations, enabling accurate tolerance assessment for diverse feature configurations within a single unified approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality assessment by evaluating each hole's specific features (size, position, orientation) individually within the overall pattern. The system determines best fitting circles for each hole and assesses tolerances locally for each feature while maintaining the global context of the entire hole pattern, enabling precise conformity assessment for multiple design sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for analyzing tolerances for features for an object. A framework may be created from the plurality of features for the object. The framework may be fitted to a plurality of manufactured features for the object based on the plurality of features to form a fit framework. A remaining clearance may be identified between each of a plurality of manufactured sizes associated with the plurality of features and each of plurality of virtual conditions for the plurality of features to form a plurality of remaining clearances. A plurality of remaining clearance geometric shapes may be formed from the plurality of remaining clearances. The plurality of remaining clearance features may be positioned around a single true position. A common region may be identified from between the plurality of remaining clearances. A minimum remaining float may be identified from the common region. A resulting pattern transformation may be determined.