Checking fixture with computer compensation for data collection device locators
AssigneeSimco Industries, Inc.
InventorsDavid L. Simon, Scott M. Kloock
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A checking fixture for checking the accuracy of manufactured parts has a base with origin surfaces or tooling balls defining an orthogonal plane system. A series of net pads, clamps and pins formed on or in the base supports a manufactured part to be checked in a known position relative to the plane system. A plurality of data collection device holders are attached to the base. Each holder has a datum element such as a bushing or the like. The exact positions of the datum elements relative to the plane system are measured and stored in a data storage device. A computer is programmed to accept data from the data collection devices and compensate for variations of the known datum element positions from theoretically perfect positions.
Claims13
A checking fixture for comparing dimensions of manufactured parts to a perfect part as designed, comprising:
- a base having starts formed therein;
- mounting means on the base for supporting a manufactured part to be checked in a known position relative to the starts;
- a plurality of data collection device holder means attached to the base for mounting a data collection device near the manufactured part, each holder means having a datum element;
- at least one data collection device mountable on said holder means for measuring the distance from the datum element of that holder to the part being checked;
- data storage means for storing data descriptive of the known location and orientation of the datum elements of the holders relative to the starts, and the distance measurements taken by the data collection device;
- and
- computing means operable on the data stored in the data storage means, for calculating the location of a checked point on the part being checked, based on the known location and orientation of the datum element and the data collection device's distance measurement from the datum element.
In a checking fixture for comparing dimensions of manufactured parts to a perfect part as designed, the fixture comprising a base having starts formed therein, and mounting means on the base for supporting a manufactured part to be checked in a known position relative to the starts, an improved method of preparing the fixture for use, comprising the steps of:
- attaching a plurality of data collection device holder means to the base, each holder means having a datum element;
- measuring the position and orientation of each datum element relative to the starts;
- and
- storing the datum element measurements in a data storage means to create a database descriptive of the known location and orientation of the datum elements of the holders relative to the starts.
In a checking fixture for comparing dimensions of manufactured parts to a perfect part as designed, the fixture comprising a base having starts formed therein, and mounting means on the base for supporting a manufactured part to be checked in a known position relative to the starts, an improved method of checking parts, comprising the steps of:
- attaching a plurality of data collection device holder means to the base, each holder means having a datum element;
- measuring the position and orientation of each datum element relative to the starts;
- storing the datum element measurements in a data storage means to create a database descriptive of the known location and orientation of the datum elements of the holders relative to the starts;
- measuring the distance from the datum elements to specified points on the part being checked;
- and
- calculating the location of a checked point on the part being checked, based on the known location and orientation of the datum element and the measured distance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.