Portable Hole Probe Feeding for Large-Part Inspection Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for inspecting the features of holes, such as surface roughness and shape, are hindered when the object with the hole is too large to be set on a three-dimensional measuring device, making it difficult to inspect holes, especially after drilling, as they cannot be easily moved for further processing or inspection.

Innovation Solution

A handheld hole inspection unit with a feeding device comprising an attaching jig, movement mechanism, and positioning jig allows the probe to be inserted into the hole's central axis for inspection, enabling linear reciprocation and precise positioning without requiring the object to be set on a measuring device, using a combination of attaching and positioning jigs with a movement mechanism to align and move the inspection device parallel to the hole's axis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a three-dimensional measuring device is used to inspect hole features, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and requirement to set the object on the measuring device increases, making it impossible to inspect large objects that cannot be moved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehole feature inspection accuracyVSAvoidmeasuring device setup requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the object to a stationary measuring device, the patent inverts the approach by making the measuring device movable and bringing it to the object. The handheld hole inspection device can be carried to the work site and positioned at the hole, eliminating the need to move or reposition large objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the inspection system into a portable handheld device that can be easily transported and positioned, rather than requiring a large fixed three-dimensional measuring device. This segmentation allows the inspection capability to be delivered locally at the work site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the object is fixed to a jig for conveyance and subsequent processing, then productivity is improved, but the ability to inspect the hole itself is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveyance and processing efficiencyVSAvoidhole inspection accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a movable and repositionable handheld inspection device that can be dynamically positioned at the hole location on the conveyed object. The device can be attached to the jig structure and positioned as needed without requiring the object to be stopped or repositioned, allowing inspection to occur during the conveyance process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a handheld drilling device is used, then adaptability is improved, but the ability to promptly inspect the hole feature is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling flexibilityVSAvoidinspection delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables inspection to be performed immediately after drilling by having the handheld inspection device ready at the work site. The device can be quickly positioned and attached to inspect the hole feature without requiring the object to be moved to a separate inspection location, eliminating inspection delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Length of stationary object

If the object is too large to set on a measuring device, then the object size exceeds the measuring device capacity, but inspection is still required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject sizeVSAvoidhole feature measurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional measurement approach by making the measuring device portable and bringing it to the large object, rather than requiring the object to fit on a stationary measuring device. This allows inspection of holes in objects of any size at their actual location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11598624B2Feeding device of hole inspection device

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 SUBARU CORP

AI summary

According to one implementation, a feeding device of a hole inspection device having a probe includes an attaching jig, a movement mechanism, and a positioning jig. The probe is inserted into a hole to be inspected of an object in a central axis direction of the hole, for inspecting the hole. The attaching jig attaches the hole inspection device to the feeding device. The movement mechanism linearly reciprocates the hole inspection device together with the attaching jig. The positioning jig positions the movement mechanism to the object. A moving direction of the attaching jig and the hole inspection device is made parallel to the central axis direction of the hole by positioning the movement mechanism.