Threaded Pedestal Engagement Depth Sensing via Protuberance Impingement
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is difficult for operators to ascertain the minimum engagement depth of threaded surfaces in support pedestals, which is crucial for maintaining structural integrity, often requiring visual confirmation during assembly.
Innovation Solution
The system includes protuberances on the threaded surfaces that provide sensory indications, such as tactile vibration or audible sounds, when the desired engagement depth is reached, eliminating the need for visual confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual confirmation methods are used to verify engagement depth, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring visual attention during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual confirmation methods with tactile feedback mechanisms. Protuberances on the threaded surfaces provide tactile sensations (clicks, vibrations, or resistance changes) that allow operators to verify engagement depth through touch rather than sight, substituting optical detection with mechanical/tactile detection
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded surfaces are designed to self-indicate their engagement depth through the interaction of protuberances. As the threads engage, the protuberances automatically provide tactile feedback signals that inform the operator of the engagement depth without requiring external measurement tools or visual inspection
2Measurement precision
If visual confirmation is required during assembly, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to assembly interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
Visual inspection is replaced with tactile feedback mechanisms that provide continuous or periodic engagement depth information during the assembly process. The protuberances on threaded surfaces create tactile signals (clicks, vibrations, or resistance changes) that allow operators to verify engagement depth without stopping to visually inspect, maintaining assembly momentum
Solution Approach 2:
The tactile feedback mechanism allows engagement depth verification to occur continuously or periodically during the assembly process without interrupting the assembly action. Operators can feel the engagement depth feedback while maintaining their assembly rhythm, eliminating the start-stop pattern caused by visual inspection requirements
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
The system ensures that the operator can determine the minimum safe engagement depth without visual verification, enhancing assembly efficiency and structural integrity by providing clear sensory feedback.
Implementation Method 1
The impingement of the first thread protuberance against the second thread protuberance advantageously may provide sensory indication of a depth of engagement of the first and second threaded surfaces
Implementation Method 2
The impingement of the first thread protuberance against the second thread protuberance advantageously may provide sensory indication of a depth of engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A system for indicating a depth of engagement of two threadably engaged surfaces of a support pedestal. The system includes at least a first thread protuberance disposed on a first threaded surface of the support pedestal and at least a second thread protuberance disposed on a second threaded surface of the support pedestal. The first thread protuberance impinges against the second thread protuberance when the first and second threaded surfaces are threadably engaged and rotated to provide sensory indication of a depth of engagement of the first and second threaded surfaces.