Offset Control Tool for Aircraft Door Stops

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools lack the capability to simply and reliably control the offset between two stops, particularly in confined spaces like aircraft door stops, where the offset must be within a tolerance of ±1 mm, and current methods are impractical for efficient measurement.

Innovation Solution

A tool comprising a body with a sliding rule and guide system that allows for precise control of the offset, featuring a handle, graduations, and a circular arc-shaped notch for accurate alignment and measurement, enabling the determination of offset values by comparing edge distances across diametrically opposed positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional measurement methods are used to control the offset between two stops, then the measurement can be performed, but the process becomes complex and impractical in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of offset controlVSAvoidcomplexity of measurement tool

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a first arm for contacting the first stop, a second arm for contacting the second stop, and a measurement mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining measurement capability in confined spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from traditional single-dimension measurement approaches to a two-dimensional measurement system using two arms positioned at different locations. The arms extend in different directions from their respective contact surfaces, enabling offset measurement in the transverse direction without requiring complex three-dimensional positioning equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If precise offset measurement is required within ±1 mm tolerance, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the measurement process becomes more time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoffset measurement precisionVSAvoidtime for offset control

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement arms are pre-positioned and pre-aligned relative to their respective contact surfaces before the actual measurement begins. The arms are configured with fixed geometric relationships to the contact surfaces, eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment procedures during the measurement process itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanical alignment procedures with a simplified geometric measurement system. By using two arms with known geometric relationships to the contact surfaces and measuring the distance between their endpoints, the system achieves precise offset measurement without requiring intricate mechanical adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Volume of moving object

If the measurement tool is designed to fit in confined spaces around aircraft door stops, then the tool compactness is improved, but the tool structure becomes more constrained and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume of measurement toolVSAvoidease of tool operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement arms are designed to be collapsible or nestable when not in use, allowing the tool to be stored in a compact form factor that fits within confined spaces. The arms can be folded against each other or retracted into a housing, minimizing the tool's volume while maintaining full measurement capability when deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement arms are designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing them to extend and retract or fold and unfold as needed. This dynamic structure enables the tool to transition between a compact storage state for navigating confined spaces and an expanded operational state for performing measurements, maintaining ease of operation throughout

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10054416B2Method for controlling an offset between two stops and tool for controlling an offset between two stops

Publication Date: 2018.08.21 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

A tool for controlling an offset between two stops, includes: a body which includes an extension with an end configured to abut against one of the stops, a sliding rule that is configured to slide in a longitudinal direction in relation to the body and which has an end configured to bear against the other stop, the sliding rule being shifted in a transversal direction in relation to the extension, and a system configured to control the displacement of the sliding rule in relation to the body.