Thread Testing Device with Pivotable Compensation Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thread testing devices face challenges in standardizing applied forces during manual handling and require additional sensors when using manipulators, and they can produce inadequate results due to axial misalignment between the thread and thread plug gauge axes.

Innovation Solution

A thread testing device with a guide and compensation mechanism for axial alignment, an electric drive for torque control, and a torque setting device to ensure consistent testing conditions, allowing for flexible and accurate thread testing without additional sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual handling of thread testing device is used, then ease of operation is improved, but force standardization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidforce standardization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The thread testing device incorporates an electric drive that automatically applies standardized torque to the thread gauge during testing. This self-acting mechanism eliminates the need for manual force application, ensuring consistent and repeatable testing conditions while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If additional force sensors are added to monitor applied forces, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce monitoringVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device replaces complex mechanical force sensing systems with an electric drive that directly controls and monitors torque application through electrical parameters. The drive unit incorporates torque control capabilities that provide precise force monitoring without requiring separate mechanical sensors, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If axial misalignment between thread axis and thread gauge axis occurs, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidco-axiality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a guiding mechanism that pre-aligns the thread gauge with the thread axis before the testing process begins. This preliminary alignment action ensures co-axiality is established prior to torque application, preventing measurement errors due to misalignment while maintaining ease of operation through automated positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If standard manipulators with grippers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but force standardization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidforce standardization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device introduces an electric drive unit as an intermediary between the manipulator gripper and the thread gauge. This intermediary component receives the gripping action from standard manipulators and translates it into precisely controlled torque application, thereby maintaining compatibility with simple manipulators while achieving force standardization through the drive's torque control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3561441B1Thread device for testing of threads
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 DIATEST HERMANN KOLTGEN
  • EP3561441B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3561441B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3561441B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a thread testing device for testing threads, comprising a housing (50) and a bearing (82) arranged in the housing for rotatably supporting a thread gauge (60) for screwing into a thread to be tested, a measuring direction for measuring the screw-in depth of the rotatably supported thread gauge (60), and a guide and compensation device (10) for guiding the housing and for compensating for an axial offset between the housing, bearing and thread, wherein the guide and compensation device (10) is arranged on the housing (50) so as to be pivotable about at least two axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing (50).