Wireless Taper Gauge for Gap Measurement Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional taper gauges rely on manual measurements, which are prone to human error and inefficiency, making them unsafe and costly for precise gap and clearance measurements in industrial environments.
Innovation Solution
A digital taper gauge with a housing, rotatably coupled measuring leaves, and a measurement determination mechanism that automatically detects leaf positions and transmits measurements wirelessly to a computing device for accurate and objective data recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods are used with traditional taper gauges, then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is high, but measurement precision is poor and human error is inevitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual reading system with an electronic sensing and digital display system. Sensors detect the position of the taper gauge tip, and electronic components process this information to display precise measurements digitally, eliminating human visual estimation errors while maintaining the mechanical insertion mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electronic sensors and processing components as intermediaries between the mechanical measurement tool and the human operator. These intermediaries automatically detect and record the measurement data, serving as a bridge that translates physical gap dimensions into precise digital readings without requiring manual interpretation.
2Productivity
If manual recording of measurements is performed, then the device complexity is low, but productivity is reduced and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the measurement system to automatically record, store, and transmit measurement data without requiring manual transcription. The electronic system self-services by capturing measurement information directly from the sensors and managing data storage and communication autonomously, eliminating the need for operators to manually record measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automatic feedback loops where measurement data is immediately captured, processed, and stored in digital format. The system provides real-time feedback to operators through digital displays and automatically transmits data to databases or other systems, creating a closed-loop measurement process that eliminates manual recording steps.
3Reliability
If visual reading of markings on the taper gauge is used, then the ease of operation is high, but reliability is compromised due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual reading process with electronic sensing and digital display. Instead of operators visually interpreting markings on the gauge, electronic sensors automatically detect the measurement position and display the result digitally, eliminating subjective visual interpretation and improving measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electronic sensors and processing systems as intermediaries that objectively measure and record gap dimensions. These intermediaries provide reliable, consistent measurements independent of operator skill level or fatigue, ensuring high reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated data capture.
Data Source
AI summary
A taper gauge that includes an elongate taper assembly that has a tip section and an electronics section that includes a location determining element that collects data related to a measurement area when the tip section is inserted in the measurement area and a power source. An embodiment allows for increased precision, accuracy, and speed for wireless measurement of gaps. A method and system that uses the taper gauge.