Right-Angle Touch Gauge for Automotive Height Difference Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring height differences between high and low surfaces on large work pieces in automotive machining are inefficient and unsuitable for mass production when using coordinate measuring machines.
Innovation Solution
A right-angle touch gauge comprising a fixing block, floating column, upper and lower screws, springs, and a measuring sleeve, which allows for the measurement of height differences by compressing the measuring column and observing the alignment of the measuring sleeve's edge with the work piece surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is used to measure height differences on large work pieces, then measurement precision can be maintained, but measurement efficiency is very low and it is not suitable for mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple, inexpensive right-angle touch gauge with basic mechanical components (scales, pointers, L-shaped blocks) instead of expensive, complex CMM equipment. The gauge is designed for quick, single-use measurements that can be rapidly deployed and reset for mass production inspection, sacrificing the absolute precision of CMM for vastly improved measurement speed and suitability for production environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical and computational system of CMM with a simple mechanical comparison gauge. The measurement process substitutes sophisticated coordinate system mapping and data processing with direct mechanical contact and visual reading of scale differences, achieving sufficient precision through mechanical means while dramatically improving efficiency
2Productivity
If a simple measurement tool is used to improve measurement efficiency, then productivity increases, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from absolute height values (requiring complex CMM) to height difference comparison (achievable with simple gauges). By measuring relative differences between high and low surfaces using the right-angle touch gauge's scales and pointers, the system maintains sufficient precision for quality control while enabling rapid measurement for mass production
3Measurement precision
If complex measurement equipment is used to ensure measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity increases and production cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function into simple, modular components: L-shaped blocks for right-angle reference, scales for measurement, and pointers for indication. This segmentation allows each component to perform a single, well-defined function with high reliability, while the overall device remains simple and inexpensive compared to integrated CMM systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the measurement function that doesn't require the full capability of CMM. The right-angle touch gauge copies only the essential measurement of height differences using basic mechanical elements, eliminating unnecessary complexity while maintaining sufficient accuracy for production quality control
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 efficient and cost-effective measurement of height differences, improving process monitoring in mass production by simplifying the measurement process and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
an upper spring, a measuring sleeve and a lower spring. The upper spring is sleeved on the outer side of the cylinder of the floating column, and is placed above the fixing block. The lower spring is sleeved on the right cylinder of the measuring column
Data Source
AI summary
A right angle touch gauge of the present application includes a fixing block, a floating column, a spring, a measuring column, a measuring sleeve and the like. In use, round head of top end of the floating column is in contact with bottom surface of work piece. The floating column is compressed downward when it touches high surface of the bottom surface of the work piece, the measuring column is compressed to right by matching lower cone of the floating column and left cone of the measuring column, and it may be found whether height difference between high surface and low surface of the bottom surface of the work piece is qualified by observing whether end edge of the right cylinder of the measuring column is placed between steps of right end surface of the measuring sleeve.