US3854215A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multiplanar sensor and control system for use in roll forming machines
Assignee: Boeing Co
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Filing: 1973-07-27
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Granted: 1974-12-17
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Expires: 1993-07-27
Abstract
Abstract A multiplanar sensing structure and control system therefor suitable for use in a numerically controlled roll forming machine are disclosed. The multiplanar sensing structure includes a support arrangement for mounting a multiplanar sensor in a position such that a work part exiting from contour forming rollers passes through the structure. The support arrangement is formed such that the sensor is free to move in two planes but is prevented from rotating about its longitudinal axis. The multiplanar sensor includes a cylindrical housing having gimballed end plates movable in two orthogonal planes. In addition, the end plates are rotatable and include orifices corresponding to the cross-section of the part being contour formed. As the work part passes through the orifices, the curvature of the part causes the end plates to change position. The change in position of the end plates is sensed by rotary variable-differential transformers (RVDTs). The output from the RVDTs are compared with signals related to the desired curvature of the part and the result of the comparison is used to modify the signals applied to the numerically controlled contour forming machine to provide compensation for part springback.
Inventors
- 👤 G Foster
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 19:15
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B7/00; G01B7/28; G01B7/281; B; B21; B21D; B21D5/00; B21D5/06; B21D5/08; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/18; G05B19/188
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
A multiplanar sensor suitable for use with a roll forming machine comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis; an end plate mounted in said housing so as to be freely movable in at least one plane, said end plate including an orifice; a first sensor mounted so as to sense the movement of said end plate in said at least one plane; and, mounting means for mounting said housing with respect to said roll forming machine in a manner such that a part exiting from said roll forming machine passes through said housing and said orifice so as to vary the position of said end plate in accordance with the curvature of the part.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
A multiplanar sensor suitable for use with a roll forming machine comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis; an end plate mounted in said housing so as to be freely movable in at least one plane, said end plate including an orifice; a first sensor mounted so as to sense the movement of said end plate in said at least one plane; and, mounting means for mounting said housing with respect to said roll forming machine in a manner such that a part exiting from said roll forming machine passes through said housing and said orifice so as to vary the position of said end plate in accordance with the curvature of the part.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
A multiplanar sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said end plate is movable in two planes, said first sensor sensing the movement of said end plate in one of said two planes, and including a second sensor mounted so as to sense the movement of said end plate in the second of said two planes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
A multiplanar sensor as claimed in claim 2, including a second end plate movable in two planes, a third sensor mounted so as to sense the movement of said second end plate in one of said two planes, and a fourth sensor mounted so as to sense the movement of said second end plate in the other of said two planes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
A multiplanar sensor as claimed in claim 3, wherein both of said end plates are rotatable and including a fifth Sensor mounted so as to sense the rotation of one of said end plates.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A multiplanar sensor as claimed in claim 4, wherein said sensors are rotary variable differential transformers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
133 words
A multiplanar sensor as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of said end plates comprises: an outer ring rotatably mounted in said housing in a manner such that the plane of said ring is movable, said movement being sensed by the associated first and third sensors; a center ring rotatably mounted in said outer ring so that the plane of said center ring rotates through a plane orthogonal to the plane of rotation of said outer ring, said movement of said center ring being sensed by the associated second and fourth sensors; an inner ring rotatably mounted in said center ring, said rotatable movement of the inner ring of one of said end plates being sensed by said fifth sensor; and an insert mounted in said inner ring, said insert including said orifice.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A multiplanar sensor as claimed in claim 6, wherein said sensors are rotary variable differential transformers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A multiplanar sensor as claimed in claim 6, wherein the peripheral outline of said orifice is generally similar to the peripheral outline of said part.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A multiplanar sensor as claimed in claim 8, wherein said orifice includes lands and wherein said end plates include means for pressing said part against said lands.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
A multiplanar sensor as claimed in claim 9, wherein said sensors are rotary variable differential transformers.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The improvement claimed in claim 10, wherein said multiplanar sensor includes mounting means for mounting said multiplanar sensor a predetermined tangential distance from the final forming roll of said roll forming machine.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
46 words
A multiplanar sensor as claimed in claim 11, wherein said mounting means includes an antirotation linkage for preventing said housing from rotating and a support assembly attached so as to support said housing a predetermined distance from the final forming roll of said roll forming machine.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
A multiplanar sensor as claimed in claim 12, including a counterbalance means for supporting said housing.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
33 words
A multiplanar sensor as claimed in claim 13, wherein said support assembly includes means for maintaining said housing a predetermined distance from the tangential point wherein said part meets said final forming roll.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-12-16 | 1978-06-17 | 1978-12-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-16 | 1982-06-17 | 1982-12-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-16 | 1986-06-17 | 1986-12-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |