Mechanical tolerance method
OwnerPaul J. Drake, Jr., Dale L. Van Wykinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A mechanical tolerance method which links mechanical assembly tolerancing requirements to part variation controls. The method optimizes tolerance for a design. The method begins by a user defining an assembly requirement. Next, datum features are defined. The method then moves to the step of assigning component dimensions. A dimensional loop diagram is generated for each component. Next, an appropriate analysis/allocation method for determining tolerances of the components is determined. Upon selecting the appropriate process, variation controls are applied to the plurality of components. Next, tolerances are assigned to features of the components.
Claims38
A method of optimizing tolerances for a design and assembly of a plurality of components, said method comprising the steps of:
- defining an assembly requirement;
- defining datum features;
- assigning component dimensions;
- creating a dimensional loop diagram for each component;
- determining an appropriate analysis/allocation method for determining tolerances of the plurality of components;
- automatically selecting variation controls from the determined analysis/allocation method;
- automatically applying variation controls, by a computer, to features of the plurality of components;
- and
- assigning tolerances to features of the plurality of components.
A method for applying variation controls for a feature of a component in an assembly of a plurality of components through a decision matrix stored within a computer for determining appropriate variation controls, said method comprising the steps of:
- inputting a feature, controlled element of the feature, a tolerance zone shape and a relationship of tolerance zone to a datum reference frame into the decision matrix;
- and
- automatically determining by a computer, through the decision matrix, a variation control utilizing inputted information for automatically selecting and applying an appropriate variation control.
A system for automatically applying variation controls of a feature of a component in an assembly of a plurality of components, said system comprising:
- a computer system for calculating and determining variation controls of the feature;
- a user interface for a user to input data relevant for determining variation controls of the feature;
- and
- a memory for storing information applicable for applying variation controls;
- whereby the user inputs all relevant data of the feature through the user interface to the computer system, said computer system automatically calculating an appropriate variation control based upon a specific determined analysis/allocation method associated with the feature and applying the calculated variation control in an appropriate location determined by the computer system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.