Measuring Arm Contour Inspection for Automotive Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the contours of automobile seals are time-consuming, require highly skilled personnel, and are challenging when measuring seals at separate locations, often leading to water leakage issues due to flawed seal contours.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with a linkage system and rotary encoders, including a measuring arm with main and end links, a distance sensor, and detachable base supports, allowing for precise and quick contour measurement without the need for highly skilled personnel, enabling accurate scanning of contoured surfaces across different inclinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual measurement methods are used by highly skilled technicians, then measurement reliability is maintained, but measurement time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated optical measurement system. A laser distance sensor mounted on a measuring arm mechanically substitutes the technician's manual measurement process, automatically scanning seal contours and capturing depth information without requiring highly skilled personnel to perform time-consuming manual measurements at multiple points
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring system performs self-service by automatically scanning and measuring seal contours without continuous human intervention. The system autonomously positions the measuring arm, scans the seal surface, captures distance data, and generates contour maps, enabling the measurement process to serve itself rather than relying on skilled technicians for each measurement task
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measuring devices are used to scan seals at separate locations, then complete coverage is achieved, but device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single measuring device with a movable arm that can measure seals at multiple locations including the roof and door. The measuring arm can be positioned and oriented to access different seal locations, allowing one device to perform the function previously requiring multiple separate measuring devices, thereby simplifying the overall measurement system
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring system employs dynamics through a movable measuring arm that can be repositioned to scan seals at different locations. The arm's mobility allows it to adapt to various measurement positions and angles, enabling complete coverage of seals at separate locations with a single device rather than requiring multiple fixed measuring devices
3Measurement precision
If highly skilled personnel are required to perform measurements, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but labor cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the need for highly skilled technicians with an automated measuring device equipped with a laser distance sensor and computer control. The device automatically performs contour scanning, processes depth data, and generates visual representations of seal contours, substituting human expertise with automated computational algorithms that maintain measurement accuracy without requiring skilled operators
4Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used, then existing measurement capability is maintained, but productivity and cost-effectiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action through automated continuous scanning of seal contours using the laser distance sensor. The measuring arm continuously captures depth measurements along the seal contour without interruption, generating a complete set of contour data in one continuous operation rather than requiring multiple discrete manual measurement points, thereby significantly increasing measurement throughput and productivity
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 quick, accurate, and cost-effective measurement of automobile seals, reducing the need for skilled labor and simplifying the process of identifying contour defects, thus addressing the issue of water leakage caused by flawed seal contours.
Implementation Method 1
One of the links has a distance sensor attached thereto and the triangular attachment plate is affixed to the sensor, the attachment plate having one side cut away to not interfere with laser beam outgoing and return signals.
Implementation Method 2
A rotary encoder is mounted to each of the three pivotal connections so formed so as to generate a signals corresponding to the rotary position of each of the links.
Implementation Method 3
Each of three rotary encoders and rotary supports are mounted by rotary ball bearings to prevent any excessive friction in the connections and reduce mechanical play between the main and end links to thereby minimize any errors due to excessive friction.
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring arm is made up of a pair of main links pivotally connected together at one end, and a pair of shorter end links each pivotally connected at one end to an other end of each main link. A distance sensor is able to be attached to an end of one of the end links, and to either of a pair of support bases mounted at different locations on a relatively fixed structure. The measuring arm is particularly useful in inspecting contoured surfaces of seals installed on an automobile to aid in detecting defective seals.