Measurement tool
AssigneeAmerican Airlines, Inc.
InventorDaniel A. Symons
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A measurement tool adapted for measuring surfaces of a known desired curvature and specifically grooves, holes, chips, gouges, chafing and/or out of round areas therein. The measurement device is constructed with an attachment member having a curvature matching the "set up" curvature of the part to be measured. The measuring member or probe, is sharpened to permit it to extend through an aperture formed in the attachment member for facilitating its initial setting relative to the attachment member and the surface to be measured. Any movement of the probe during measurement is then a manifestation of a deviation from the original "set up" curvature.
Claims18
A measuring apparatus for measuring a curved surface of known desired curvature comprising:
- a measurement device having an extendable probe;
- said measurement device having a means for indicating the magnitude of extension of said probe relative to said measurement device;
- an attachment member having means for engaging said curved surface to be measured, said engaging means including a rigid outwardly facing surface having a curvature matching that of said known desired curvature of said curved surface to be measured;
- and
- said attachment member being mounted upon said measuring device permitting said probe to extend and engage said curved surface.
A method of measuring a surface of known desired curvature for detecting non-uniform portions thereof comprising the steps of:
- providing a measurement device having a probe for extending therefrom in the measurement of distances relative thereto and indicia in association with said measurement device for indicating the magnitude of extension of said probe;
- providing an attachment member for said measurement device for use in association with said probe;
- forming a rigid curved surface on said attachment member matching said known desired curvature of said surface to be measured;
- securing said attachment member on said measurement device in association with said probe with said rigid curved surface facing outwardly therefrom;
- providing means for the passing of said probe through said outwardly facing rigid curved surface for measurements relative thereto;
- positioning said probe relative to said attachment member in position to detect deviations therefrom;
- and
- moving said rigid curved surface along said surface to be measured and detecting movement of said probe relative to said rigid curved surface.
A method of manufacturing a measurement device for measuring a surface for deviations from a known desired curvature, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a measurement device having a body portion and a probe adapted for extending therefrom in the measurement of distances relative to said measurement device and means for indicating the movement of said probe relative to said measurement device;
- forming an attachment member for said measurement device for use in association with said probe;
- forming a rigid curvature on said attachment member having a curvature matching that of said known desired curvature of said surface to be measured;
- securing said attachment member to said measurement device relative to said probe for permitting said probe to engage said surface to be measured;
- providing a setting block having a curvature substantially identical to said known desired curvature;
- and
- positioning said setting block against said attachment member in mating engagement with said probe and said rigid curvature for providing a zero reference point for said probe.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.