Thread Testing Device Non-Rotating Scale Reading

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thread testing devices face difficulties in accurately reading the screw-in depth due to rotating scales and complex handling procedures, making it challenging to measure thread depths effectively.

Innovation Solution

A thread testing device with a non-rotating housing and a sliding scale that allows for easy reading through a viewing window, featuring a vernier scale for precise measurements, and a rotary handle that can be locked for enhanced usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the scale rotates when the thread gauge is screwed in, then the thread gauge can be screwed in to measure depth, but the scale becomes difficult to read or requires locking and unscrewing to read

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of reading scaleVSAvoidhandling procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two independent rotational components: the housing that rotates with the thread gauge, and the scale that remains stationary relative to the housing. This segmentation allows the thread gauge to rotate for measurement while the scale stays fixed for reading, eliminating the need to lock and unscrew the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The scale is positioned on the housing, which acts as an intermediary between the rotating thread gauge and the stationary reading position. The housing rotates with the thread gauge while the scale remains fixed on it, creating a stable reference frame for reading the measurement without requiring the thread gauge to be locked.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the scale is arranged on the front of the device, then the depth can be read, but the screw-in depth is difficult to read especially since the scales turn when screwing in

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth measurementVSAvoidreading difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the scale rotate with the thread gauge (conventional approach), the invention inverts the relationship by fixing the scale to the housing while allowing the thread gauge to rotate independently. This inversion ensures the scale remains stationary relative to the housing, making it easy to read at any rotation angle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Measurement precision

If a vernier scale is used, then measurement precision is improved, but the screw-in depth can only be read with difficulty since the scales turn when screwing in

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth measurement precisionVSAvoidreading ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The vernier scale is segmented from the rotating thread gauge and is instead fixed on the housing. This segmentation allows the vernier scale to maintain its precision while remaining stationary relative to the housing, enabling easy reading at any rotation angle during the screwing operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2180289B1Thread testing device
Publication Date: 2011.07.06 DIATEST HERMANN KOLTGEN
  • EP2180289B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The device (1) has screwable thread plug gauges (3), which are rotatably arranged in a housing (2). The housing comprises a measuring scale (7) for displaying screw-in depth of the thread plug gauges. The thread plug gauges are screwed by a rotary handle (4), which is rotated against the housing. The scale with indices with the thread plug gauges is displaceably arranged at the housing, and comprises a viewing window (8) for reading the indices. The rotary handle is designed as a sleeve (6) attached to a rear side of the thread plug gauges.