Multi-function Gauge with U-shaped Body and Interchangeable Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement gauges are often limited to measuring specific parts, requiring multiple gauges, increasing costs and storage needs, and can be ergonomically challenging due to their size and design, necessitating the part to be brought to the gauge rather than the gauge to the part.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function comparative measurement gauge with a U-shaped body, slide mechanism, and interchangeable measurement probes that can measure various features such as diameters and threads, allowing for bi-directional measurements and ergonomic handling with a detachable linear displacement gauge and spring biasing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple specialized gauges are used to measure different parts, then measurement precision for specific parts is improved, but device complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge is designed with a U-shaped body that can accommodate different measurement probes on its arms, allowing a single gauge to measure multiple part features including diameters, threads, and other dimensional characteristics. The linear displacement gauge can be positioned to measure distances between various probe configurations, providing universal measurement capability across different part types.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is divided into modular components: a U-shaped body framework, interchangeable measurement probes that can be attached to different arms, and a linear displacement gauge that can be positioned at various locations. This segmentation allows the same gauge structure to be configured for different measurement tasks by simply changing probe positions or attachments.
2Measurement precision
If multiple specialized gauges are used to measure different parts, then measurement precision for specific parts is improved, but storage area requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a single U-shaped gauge that can accommodate different measurement probes and configurations, the system eliminates the need to store multiple separate specialized gauges. The same physical gauge structure serves multiple measurement functions, significantly reducing storage space requirements while maintaining the ability to measure various part features with precision.
3Measurement precision
If traditional large-sized gauges are used, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to ergonomic constraints
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the operator to bring the part to a large stationary gauge, the U-shaped gauge is designed to be portable and brought to the part. The gauge arms extend to accommodate various part sizes, and the linear displacement gauge moves along the U-shaped body to measure different features, inverting the traditional measurement approach and improving ergonomics.
4Device complexity
If a single multi-function gauge is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for specific features may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge employs interchangeable measurement probes that can be attached to the U-shaped arms, allowing optimization of probe design for specific measurement tasks. The linear displacement gauge can be positioned at different locations along the U-shaped body to achieve precise measurements for different features, maintaining measurement precision while using a single multi-function platform.
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 versatile and efficient measurement of multiple features with a single gauge, reducing costs and storage needs, and allowing ergonomic operation by bringing the gauge to the part, improving user convenience and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A spring may operatively engage the slide to bias the slide in one direction relative to the fixed measurement probe
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect of this disclosure a comparative measurement gauge is described. The gauge includes a portable U-shaped body having two arms connected by an intermediate portion, wherein at least one of the arms engages a part to be measured. At least one rod is disposed in a space defined between the two arms. A slide is disposed on the rod in the space and one portion of the slide is attached to a measurement probe. A measurement indicator extends from one of the arms. The measurement indicator includes a tip that is adjacent to the slide. As the slide moves along the rod to measure the part the measurement indicator provides a measurement value.