Industrial Inspection Interlock Mechanism for Fixture Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current industrial inspection systems, particularly Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), are hindered by high costs, complexity, and the need for skilled operators, limiting their accessibility and efficiency in quality control processes, especially in aerospace and industrial applications where precision and reliability are critical.
Innovation Solution
The development of high-precision autonomous industrial inspection systems utilizing advanced composite fixtures with adaptive multi-axes actuation mechanisms and additive manufacturing, combined with wireless sensing and robotic processes, to reduce the need for skilled labor and enhance inspection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional CMM systems are used for inspection, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital replica of the part geometry using a scan head that captures point cloud data, eliminating the need for complex physical CMM measurement systems. The digital model serves as a copy that can be analyzed computationally rather than requiring sophisticated mechanical measurement apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical probe and coordinate measuring machine system with an optical scanning system that uses cameras or sensors to capture geometric data. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical positioning mechanisms while maintaining measurement capability through digital image processing and point cloud analysis.
2Measurement precision
If skilled operators are used to operate inspection systems, then measurement accuracy is improved, but operational cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-measurement by automatically capturing point cloud data and generating the digital model without requiring skilled operators to manually position probes or interpret measurements. The automated scanning and processing eliminates the need for expert intervention while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scanning to capture all geometric data points before any analysis is conducted. This preliminary data capture creates a complete point cloud that can be automatically processed, eliminating the need for operators to perform sequential measurements and reducing both time and skill requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If custom machined fixtures are used to meet stiffness requirements, then measurement stability is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional rigid metals to composite materials that provide sufficient stiffness for measurement stability while being easier to manufacture. The composite fixtures maintain the required mechanical properties without requiring complex machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials for the fixtures that combine stiffness with manufacturing ease. These composite structures provide the necessary stability for measurement while being simpler to fabricate than traditional machined metal fixtures, reducing both cost and manufacturing time.
4Measurement precision
If complex geometries are inspected using traditional fixtures, then measurement completeness is improved, but fixture complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scan head creates a complete digital copy of complex geometries through point cloud data capture, eliminating the need for physically complex fixtures that would be required to access and measure all surfaces of intricate parts. The digital model captures complete geometry information without requiring complex physical access mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An interlock system for an industrial inspection system. The interlock system includes a first interlock mechanism having a projection that has an internal thread extending into the projection; and a second interlock mechanism having a receiving member that receives the projection. The second interlock mechanism has a threaded shaft that extends into the internal thread of the first interlock mechanism when rotated. The second interlock mechanism moves toward the first interlock mechanism when the threaded shaft is rotated.