Automated Tape-Measure-Blade Twist Measurement
Problem statement
Milwaukee Tool test engineers need a method to measure the twist of different-sized tape measures because of an issue in which the tape measure blade twists significantly, skewing measurement results. It is a common issue with retractable tape measures and may be the result of design flaws or wear and tear. When the tape measure twists, it can lead to inaccuracies in measurements experienced by the end-user, where accuracy and precision are important. Customers may feel dissatisfied and frustrated if their tape measure is not producing consistent and accurate measurements. This dissatisfaction is frustrating to Milwaukee Tool because they want to create quality tools for their customers. In order to produce high-quality tape measures, Milwaukee Tool’s manufacturing team needs a quality control device to evaluate the angle of twist of their tape measures. Having an automated system will eliminate possible human error in measuring the quality, thereby reducing waste and preventing faulty tape measures from entering the market. Our goal is to automate the process of obtaining twist data as much as possible while making the system adaptable to all Milwaukee Tool tape measures. Our solution will help Milwaukee Tool collect data quickly and efficiently to quantify the severity of the issue and make decisions moving forward. Based on our research of patents, standards, and articles, there are no competitors or existing solutions to this issue outside of the prototype that Milwaukee Tool showed us during our client meeting. The prototype that Milwaukee Tool presented to our team did not completely satisfy their needs, but will be a useful source to reference.
Team members
Jason Schwartz – leader
Mhari Gohlke – communicator
Alexandria Janis – accountant
Kevin Willems – admin
Client
ZhengMing Lee
Milwaukee Tool