Geometrical instruments – Gauge – Internal
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-01
2001-10-30
Hirshfeld, Andrew H. (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Gauge
Internal
C033S194000, C033S608000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06308429
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to a portable seal gap gage system used to simultaneously measure a vehicle door and/or decklid seal gap at various locations. Specifically, a plurality of seal gap gages are mounted to a decklid or door flange at various positions and a remote actuator is used to initiate gap measurement. Each of the gages produces an electronic signal indicative of gap size at the respective location. The electronic signals are received by and stored in a portable processor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is important to measure the seal gap region between a door or decklid and its respective weld flange. The seal gap measurement is taken to verify that there is proper compression on the seal, when installed, to reduce wind noise and prevent water leakage. The ideal seal gap measurements are intended to be taken when the door is in the closed position with the door or decklid being flush with its respective mating component.
One known system for measuring a seal gap uses gage blocks that are removably mounted to the door flange with positioning screws. The gage block has a pivotable arm with an abutment surface. To take a seal gap measurement, the gage is mounted to the door flange and the arm is pivoted to its fully extended position. The door is then shut, contacting the abutment surface of the arm, causing the arm to pivot toward the gage block. The door is then opened and a probe adapter and transducer assembly are inserted into the gage block to determine the position or displacement of the arm. In order to take multiple measurements at different locations along the weld flange, multiple gage blocks must be mounted to the weld flange at the desired measurement locations. A probe adapter and transducer must then be inserted into each gage block to take the seal gap measurement at this location.
One disadvantage with this system is that it is time consuming to set up. It is also time consuming to take each measurement individually about the door flange. Another disadvantage is inaccuracies in seal gap measurements caused by door overslam. If the door is slammed shut, it can cause the arm to pivot too much with respect to the gage body, resulting in error with the seal gap measurement. Thus, it is desirable to have a seal gap system where multiple gages can easily and quickly be placed about a weld flange such that simultaneous seal gap measurements can be taken. It is also desirable to have a seal gap gage that can correct door and decklid overslam problems.
Another known seal gap gage uses a clothespin style gripping mount to attach the gage to the weld flange. The gages are connected to a fixed overhead device that receives and stores input from the gages. A disadvantage with this system is that the gages and device can not be moved from one location to a different location. Instead, the vehicle must be brought to the gages and the device in order for seal gap measurements to be taken.
Another system mounts multiple gages around the weld flange with connections to a device that receives input from the gages. One disadvantage with this system is that the gage is connected to the device by a wire connection that extends through the door to the exterior of the vehicle. Each time the door is shut to take a measurement, the wire is slammed shut between the door and its mating component. Over a period of time, this can cause the wire to wear and eventually result in error in the seal gap measurements.
Thus, it is desirable to have a gaging system that can take measurements simultaneously at different locations along the weld flange, and which can be moved quickly and efficiently from one location to the next. Also it is desirable to have a system that does not have gage wire connections that are shut in the door each time a measurement is taken.
One disadvantage with all known seal gap gages is the error introduced in the measurement due to the door or decklid not being flush. Seal gap measurements are typically taken before the latches are installed in the door or decklid assembly. Thus, the door or decklid may be out of flush with its respective mating component. This introduces error in the seal gap measurement, which can cause a part to be labeled as being out of a required tolerance range when the part would be in the required range if the door was flush. Thus, it is desirable to have a seal gap gage system that can correct seal gap measurements to take into account the flushness between the door or decklid and its mating component.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
A system for measuring a gap between a pair of spaced apart opposed surfaces comprises at least one gage assembly that is mountable adjacent to the surfaces. The gage assembly includes a probe that is selectively displaceable relative to the gage assembly based upon gap size. A sensor is used to measure position or displacement of the probe and an actuating mechanism remotely activates the system to measure the gap.
In one embodiment a portable computer or processor unit is used to receive and store electronic signals produced by each of the gage assemblies. The electronic signals are indicative of gap size.
In another embodiment, an adapter assembly is removably mounted to the gage body for providing extended support for the probe to measure larger gap sizes.
In another embodiment, a probe member is adjustable with respect to one of the surfaces. The probe member is movable in a first direction when a gap measurement is taken. The gage includes an abutment surface that engages one of the surfaces. The abutment surface is generally parallel to the first direction and the probe member and the abutment surface are selectively adjustable relative to each other in a direction transverse to the first direction.
The gaging system is easily transported from one location to the next by using a portable carrying apparatus to carry the gages. The apparatus includes a central body member, a first rail supported on one side of the body member, and a second rail supported on an opposite side of the body member. The first and second rails each include a mounting surface for supporting at least one gage assembly. A handle extends upwardly from the body portion for grasping the apparatus to move it from first location to a second location.
In one embodiment, a method for measuring a true seal gap between a vehicle door and a vehicle doorway frame member is used for taking into account variations in door flushness conditions. The method includes the following steps: (a) measuring flushness between the vehicle door and the vehicle doorway frame member; (b) measuring the seal gap between the vehicle door and the vehicle doorway frame member; (c) determining the difference between measured flushness and ideal flushness; (d) correcting the measured seal gap based on the difference between measured and ideal flushness.
The subject invention offers a portable seal gap gage system that is easily installed on a vehicle and which can quickly be moved from one vehicle to the next, or can be moved from one manufacturing facility to another. The system can simultaneously make multiple seal gap measurements at different locations about a door flange, which are stored within a processor. The system also corrects error that is introduced into seal gap measurements by door overslam and doors or decklids being out of flush with their mating components.
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Green Brian
Miller Sean
Hirshfeld Andrew H.
Howard & Howard
Linear Measurement Instruments, Corp.
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