Fixture gauge and method of manufacturing same
OwnerBlair T. McKendrickinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fixture type gauge (20) includes a base (22) and a plurality of segment blocks (1-12) mounted on the base (22) configured and arranged to allow comparison of manufactured parts (46) with a reference standard. Under computer control, reference marks (36, 54, 56, etc.) and data (26) are laser etched on the gauge base and segment blocks to facilitate rapid, accurate assembly of the gauge parts and provide a permanent record on the gauge of part related information. Laser machined alignment holes (30, 32) in the gauge base establish a reference axis on the base which can then be used to physically align the gauge with an independent spatial coordinate system, such as that of a coordinate measuring machine.
Claims22
A method of manufacturing a gauge for comparing a part with a reference standard, comprising the steps of:
- (A) providing a set of spatial coordinates corresponding to said reference standard;
- (B) producing a programmed set of instructions using said set of spatial coordinates;
- (C) forming a plurality of component members of said gauge using a computer controlled machine operated by said programmed set of instructions;
- (D) providing the component members with interlocking male projections and female openings;
- and
- (E) assembling said component members into fixed relationships to each other consistent with the set of spatial coordinates.
A gauge assembly for comparing a part with a reference standard, comprising:
- a base;
- and
- a plurality of component members arranged to support said part thereon, said base and said component members including a plurality of interlocking male projections and female openings fixing said base and said component members in preselected spatial relationship to each other corresponding to said reference standard.
A gauge assembly for comparing a part with a reference standard, comprising:
- a base assembly including a plurality of base members and a plurality of interlocking male projections and female openings on said base members for connecting said base members in fixed relationship to each other;
- a base surface mounted on said base assembly, said base surface having a plurality of female openings for receiving corresponding male projections on said base assembly;
- a plurality of segment blocks;
- a plurality of support brace members;
- a plurality of tube support blocks adapted to support said part;
- and
- said segment blocks, said support brace members and said tube support blocks having a plurality of male projections and female openings fixing said segment blocks, said support brace members and said tube support blocks in a preselected spatial relationship to each other.
A method of manufacturing a gauge for comparing a part with a reference standard, comprising the steps of:
- (A) cutting from a planar sheet of material a plurality of component members of said gauge nested in a best fit arrangement, including forming interlocking male projections and female openings integral with said component members;
- (B) assembling said component members into predetermined spatial relationship with each other by inserting said male projections into said female openings;
- and
- (C) securing said component members in said predetermined spatial relationship.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.