S-Type Pitot Tube Field Verification Gauge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field verification of s-type pitot tubes within specified tolerances is challenging due to the lack of necessary equipment and tools, such as a bench-type vise and protractor, making it difficult to ensure alignment and tolerance compliance outside of a manufacturing or lab environment.
Innovation Solution
A portable s-type pitot tube field verification gauge with multiple measurement stations that includes fit-to-pass inspection and visual gauge inspection, eliminating the need for a separate known flat plane or protractor, allowing for verification of face-opening and leg alignments using recesses, gauge surfaces, and holding jigs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If factory-accepted tests using bench-type vise and protractor are used to verify pitot tube alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring multiple separate tools and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate verification tools (vise, protractor, flat plane, calculations) into a single integrated portable gauge device. The gauge includes multiple measurement stations with different verification methods (fit-to-pass inspection, visual gauge inspection) consolidated into one handheld tool, eliminating the need for multiple separate equipment items while maintaining verification precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable gauge is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple types of alignment verifications (face-opening plane alignment, leg alignment, longitudinal axis alignment) at different measurement stations. This single device replaces several specialized tools, providing universal verification capability across all pitot tube alignment checks.
2Measurement precision
If factory-accepted tests with multiple tools are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring bench-type vise and separate tools
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge is segmented into multiple independent measurement stations (first, second, third, fourth measurement stations), each designed for a specific type of alignment verification. This segmentation allows the operator to perform different verification methods at dedicated stations within a single portable device, improving ease of operation compared to using multiple separate tools while maintaining precision through specialized measurement features at each station.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge incorporates self-contained measurement features including built-in reference planes, indicator lines, and holding jigs that eliminate the need for external equipment like bench vises or separate flat planes. The device provides all necessary reference features and measurement capabilities within itself, making field verification as easy as comparing the pitot tube against the gauge's integrated features.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional verification methods are used, then manufacturing precision can be verified, but reliability deteriorates because face openings may deviate outside tolerance during field use without detection
Solution Approach 1:
The portable gauge enables preliminary field verification of pitot tube alignment immediately after deployment, rather than waiting until return from field use. By performing alignment checks at the field location using the gauge's measurement stations, deviations from tolerance can be detected and corrected before the pitot tube is used, ensuring reliability and preventing undetected tolerance violations.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge provides immediate visual feedback through indicator lines and gauge surfaces that show whether the pitot tube alignment is within acceptable tolerances. This real-time feedback mechanism allows operators to verify compliance during field use conditions, ensuring that manufacturing precision is maintained and deviations are detected promptly rather than discovered later during audit.
Data Source
AI summary
A verification gauge of this disclosure provides fit-to-pass inspection and visual gauge inspection that may be performed in the field to verify whether an s-type pitot tube falls within predetermined tolerances prior to its use. Verification only requires the gauge. No bench-type vise to hold the tube, no known flat plane (beyond any provided by the block), no protractor, and no accompanying spreadsheet calculations are required. In some embodiments, the verification gauge includes a square or rectangular block that includes four measurement stations or positions that correspond, respectively, to four different tolerances, two relating to face-plane openings and two relating to leg alignments. By positioning the tube within a station, fit-to-pass or visual gage inspection of face-plane openings and leg alignments may be performed.