Hollow Component Junction Alignment With Real-Time Internal Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Joining two dimensionally unstable hollow components requires precise measurement and alignment to ensure a tight and secure fit, considering environmental factors and long-term stability, while existing methods lack precision and real-time feedback.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using a contactless scanning device to measure the joining area from inside the first hollow component in a single step, incorporating 3D-data and rigid positioning, to determine required characteristics for junction, including radial gap, relative rotation, straightness, steps, misalignment, shape, and thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional multi-step measurement methods are used to measure hollow components, then measurement completeness may be achieved, but measurement time increases and real-time feedback is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement operations into a single measuring step by positioning the scanning device inside the first hollow component to simultaneously scan both components. This merging of measurement actions achieves real-time data acquisition without sacrificing alignment precision, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from external multi-step measurement to internal single-step measurement by placing the scanning device inside the first hollow component. This dimensional change in measurement approach enables simultaneous scanning of both components, achieving both speed and precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If hollow components are measured from external positions, then access is easier, but measurement precision and alignment accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning accessibilityVSAvoidjoining area measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional external measurement approach by positioning the scanning device inside the first hollow component. This inversion enables direct, precise measurement of the joining area from the internal position, achieving both accessibility and high measurement accuracy simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning device acts as an intermediary positioned inside the first hollow component, enabling precise measurement of the joining area without requiring external access. This intermediary positioning resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If multiple measuring steps are used to scan both hollow components, then comprehensive data is obtained, but measurement time increases and real-time feedback is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement data completenessVSAvoidalignment process time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the scanning of both hollow components into a single measuring step by positioning the scanning device internally, allowing simultaneous data acquisition from both components. This eliminates the need for multiple measuring steps, preventing both information loss and time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous measurement action by scanning both components in one step from the internal position, maintaining uninterrupted data acquisition. This continuity prevents loss of measurement information and eliminates time delays associated with multiple discrete measuring steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Device complexity

If dimensionally unstable hollow components are joined without real-time measurement, then the process is simpler, but joint precision and long-term stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement system complexityVSAvoidjoint alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time feedback by scanning the joining area of dimensionally unstable components during the alignment process and using the measured data to adjust positioning. This feedback mechanism ensures high joint precision despite component instability, resolving the contradiction between system complexity and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary scanning and measurement of the joining area before final assembly, allowing alignment adjustments to be made in advance. This preliminary action ensures precise joint formation despite component dimensional instability, balancing system complexity with manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures accurate and reliable joint formation by providing real-time data for precise alignment, reducing errors, and enhancing the structural integrity and performance of the assembled components.

Implementation Method 1

a scanning device is adapted to contactless scan the at least two hollow components in a single measuring step

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4446696B1Real-time determining of required characteristics for junction of hollow components during an alignment process
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • EP4446696B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4446696B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4446696B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (100) and system (50) for real-time determining required characteristics for junction of at least two hollow components (10, 12) defining at least one joining area (14) between each of the at least two hollow components (10, 12) during an alignment process, by measuring the at least one joining area (14) in a single measuring step and relative from the inside of a first (12) of the at least two hollow components (10, 12), comprising the following steps: Providing (102) at least two hollow components (10, 12), wherein the at least two hollow components (10, 12) are adapted to be joined and wherein the at least two hollow components (10, 12) are at least partially dimensionally unstable, Providing (104) a scanning device (16), wherein the scanning device (16) is adapted to contactless scan the at least two hollow components (10, 12) in a single measuring step, Arranging (106) the scanning device (16) in a rigid manner inside of the first hollow component (10) of the at least two hollow components (10, 12) in line of sight of the at least one joining area (14), Scanning (108) the at least one joining area (14) in a single measuring step to receive scan data to determine required characteristics for junction of the at least two hollow components (10, 12), Output (110) the scan data and the corresponding required characteristics for junction the at least two hollow components (10, 12).