Assembly - February 2009 - (Page 61) Advertisement Advertisement CASE STUDY Inspecting Fastener Installation with LaserGauge® Seat Functionality Testing easuring the flushness of installed fasteners on curved surfaces is a problem for aircraft manufacturers. Traditional methods utilizing mechanical gages are time-consuming and lack reliability on the more complex airfoil shapes. Using non-contact methods, the handheld LaserGauge® HS701 sensor laser-scans a 2D profile of the fastener and adjacent surfaces and calculates multiple characteristics. M APPLICATION: Testing seat recliner mechanisms to verify they meet all customer functionality and government safety critical requirements. METHOD: The Promess Torque Functionality Test System (TFT) provided the capabilities necessary to test the seat recliner for full functionality. This functionality testing included the ability to measure torque, rotation and angle, return spring force, latch/unlatch efforts, tooth engagement (proof loading) and tooth backlash (chuck) while controlling the rotational motion of the part. The TFT, along with the Promess EMAC, provided a complete package that was able to turn-to-a-torque, turn-to-anangle, effort test, functionality test, etc. for seat recliners, as well as other seat related mechanisms. The TFT System provided: Force generated to move a component (latch lever, seatback recliner pivot, latching components, etc.) through a given range of travel. Abnormal (high/low) force at any point along the range of travel. Example: An excessive force identified at the same measured point on each mechanism may be the result of a poorly assembled part e.g. misaligned stampings, over or under staked rivets, over or undersized pivot pin or incorrect spring force. FMVSS proof loading verification (both directions). Measurement of travel ranges (full recline/full up). Verification of presence of springs (seat back return spring and latch spring). Statistical data on all functional tests as well as FMVSS safety critical part lot control and file archiving. Promess Inc. 11429 Grand River Road Brighton, MI 48116 810-229-9334 promessinc.com www.assemblymag.com February 2009 / ASSE M B LY 61 With one scan, flushness on the left and right side of the fastener head is calculated as well as fastener head angle and tooling pin height. Complex curved surfaces, tooling holes, and embossed lettering are factored into the calculations to give reliable and repeatable readings. Specification limits can be established for each parameter, and the system will alert the operator to out-of-spec conditions. Processed scans are plotted and measurement values are displayed in a table for the operator’s review. Data and scans are automatically saved to a file. The inspection process is improved through: Improved accuracy (< 0.0005”) Decreased inspection time (<3 seconds) Minimized operator variability Documented results with data and scans Origin Technologies Corporation 256-461-1313 www.origintech.com http://www.origintech.com http://www.promessinc.com http://www.origintech.com http://www.promessinc.com http://www.assemblymag.com
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.