Bolt aligner and method of use thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a bolt aligner and a method of using the same. A bolt aligner includes a body having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a thickness between the first surface and the second surface. The body may further include a first through-hole extending from the first surface through the second surface; a bolt alignment feature disposed concentrically with the first through hole and extending from the first surface through a portion of the thickness; a bumper chamber disposed concentrically with the first through hole and extending from the second surface through a portion of the thickness; and a threaded portion axially disposed between the bolt alignment feature and the bumper chamber. The body may further include a second through-hole extending from the first surface through the second surface; and a third via extending from the first surface through the second surface. The bolt aligner also includes a bumper disposed in the bumper chamber.

Description

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of the present disclosure. The work of the currently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this section, and aspects that may not otherwise be eligible as prior art descriptions at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a device for aligning a bolt head with a socket, and more particularly to a device for aligning a bolt head with a socket during an automated robot pick-up operation of a bolt. Background Art

[0003] Generally, due to the geometries of the bolt head and the socket, it can be difficult to align the socket with the bolt head during a pick-up operation. In an attempt to align the socket with the bolt head, accidental rotation may occur due to contact between the socket and the bolt head. Such rotation and movement of the bolt can cause damage to the threads of the bolt during manufacturing and waste time. The disadvantages of existing devices and methods will be solved by one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one configuration, a bolt aligner is provided, and the bolt aligner includes a body that may include a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a thickness between the first surface and the second surface. The body may further include: a first through-hole that extends from the first surface through the second surface; a bolt alignment feature that is concentrically arranged with the first through-hole and extends from the first surface through a portion of the thickness; and a bumper chamber that is concentrically arranged with the first through-hole and extends from the second surface through a portion of the thickness. The body may further include a threaded portion that is axially arranged between the bolt alignment feature and the bumper chamber. The body may further include: a second through-hole that extends from the first surface through the second surface; and a third through-hole that extends from the first surface through the second surface. The bolt aligner includes a bumper disposed in the bumper chamber.

[0005] The bolt aligner may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the threaded portion may be configured to vertically constrain the bolt. The bumper may be configured to rotationally constrain the bolt. Additionally or alternatively, the bumper may be made of an elastic material. The bolt aligner may further include one or more fasteners that are disposed in the second through-hole and the third through-hole to fasten the bolt aligner to a frame. The bumper may be axially trapped between the body and the frame. The bumper chamber may laterally align the bumper with the threaded portion of the body.

[0006] In one configuration, a nested component system is provided and the nested component system includes a nest coupled to a frame. The nest may include: a top side, a bottom side, and a thickness between the top side and the bottom side; a through hole extending from the top side through the bottom side; and a counterbore concentrically disposed with the through hole. The nested component system includes a bolt aligner coupled to the frame. The bolt aligner may include: a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a thickness between the first surface and the second surface; a first through hole extending from the first surface through the second surface and aligned with the through hole of the nest; a buffer chamber concentrically disposed with the first through hole and extending through a portion of the thickness of the bolt aligner from the second surface; and a threaded portion axially disposed in the first through hole. The nested component system includes a buffer disposed in the buffer chamber between the bolt aligner and the frame. The nested component system includes: a gasket including an opening and disposed in the counterbore; and a bolt including a bolt shaft and a bolt head coupled to the bolt shaft. The bolt shaft extends through the opening of the gasket and through the through hole of the nest. The nested component system includes a tool configured to be actuated clockwise, counterclockwise, and axially relative to the bolt.

[0007] The nested component system may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the buffer may be sandwiched between the bolt aligner and the frame. Additionally or alternatively, the buffer may be made of an elastic material, the buffer chamber may laterally align the buffer with the threaded portion of the body, the bolt head may be hexagonal in shape, and / or the tool may be a hexbit socket. Clockwise rotation of the tool may thread the bolt shaft into the threaded portion of the bolt aligner. Rotation of the bolt may be stopped by the buffer.

[0008] In yet another configuration, a method for a nested component of a bolt and a gasket is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a gasket including an opening into a counterbore, the opening being concentric with the through hole of the nest; inserting a bolt shaft of a bolt through the opening of the gasket and the through hole such that a distal end of the bolt contacts a threaded portion of a bolt aligner; clockwise rotating a sleeve axially disposed above the bolt; contacting a bolt head coupled to the bolt shaft with the sleeve such that the bolt rotates clockwise; rotating the bolt into the threaded portion of the bolt aligner until clockwise rotation is stopped by a buffer; capturing the bolt head with the sleeve; rotating the bolt head and the gasket counterclockwise relative to the bolt aligner; and removing the bolt and the gasket from the nest using the sleeve.

[0009] A method for a nested assembly of a bolt and a gasket may include one or more of the following optional features or steps. For example, capturing the bolt head using a sleeve may further include: when the rotation of the bolt stops, the sleeve axially receives the bolt head. Moreover, removing the bolt and the gasket may further include: using a magnet disposed in the sleeve to hold the bolt and the gasket.

[0010] The present invention has the following technical solutions:

[0011] 1. A bolt aligner, comprising:

[0012] A body, the body comprising:

[0013] A first surface, an opposite second surface, and a thickness between the first surface and the second surface,

[0014] A first through hole extending from the first surface through the second surface,

[0015] A bolt alignment feature concentrically disposed with the first through hole and extending from the first surface through a portion of the thickness,

[0016] A buffer chamber concentrically disposed with the first through hole and extending from the second surface through a portion of the thickness,

[0017] A threaded portion axially disposed between the bolt alignment feature and the buffer chamber,

[0018] A second through hole extending from the first surface through the second surface, and

[0019] A third through hole extending from the first surface through the second surface, and

[0020] A buffer disposed in the buffer chamber.

[0021] 2. The bolt aligner according to Scheme 1, wherein the threaded portion is configured to vertically restrain the bolt.

[0022] 3. The bolt aligner according to Scheme 1, wherein the buffer is configured to rotationally restrain the bolt.

[0023] 4. The bolt aligner according to Scheme 1, wherein the buffer is made of an elastic material.

[0024] 5. The bolt aligner according to Scheme 1, further comprising one or more fasteners disposed in the second through hole and the third through hole to fasten the bolt aligner to a frame.

[0025] 6. The bolt aligner according to embodiment 5, wherein the buffer is axially clamped between the body and the frame.

[0026] 7. The bolt aligner according to embodiment 1, wherein the buffer chamber laterally aligns the buffer with the threaded portion of the body.

[0027] 8. A nested component system, comprising:

[0028] A nesting kit coupled to the frame, the nesting kit including:

[0029] A top side, a bottom side, and a thickness between the top side and the bottom side,

[0030] A through hole extending from the top side through the bottom side, and

[0031] A countersunk hole concentrically arranged with the through hole;

[0032] A bolt aligner coupled to the frame, the bolt aligner including:

[0033] A first surface, an opposite second surface, and a thickness between the first surface and the second surface,

[0034] A first through hole extending from the first surface through the second surface and aligned with the through hole of the nesting kit,

[0035] A buffer chamber concentrically arranged with the first through hole and extending through a portion of the thickness of the bolt aligner from the second surface, and

[0036] A threaded portion axially arranged in the first through hole;

[0037] A buffer arranged in the buffer chamber between the bolt aligner and the frame;

[0038] A gasket including an opening and arranged in the countersunk hole;

[0039] A bolt including a bolt shaft and a bolt head coupled to the bolt shaft, the bolt shaft extending through the opening of the gasket and through the through hole of the nesting kit; and

[0040] A tool configured to be actuated clockwise, counterclockwise, and axially with respect to the bolt.

[0041] 9. The nested component system according to embodiment 8, wherein the buffer is clamped between the bolt aligner and the frame.

[0042] 10. The nested component system according to embodiment 8, wherein the buffer is made of an elastic material.

[0043] 11. The nested component system according to embodiment 8, wherein the buffer chamber laterally aligns the buffer with the threaded portion of the body.

[0044] 12. The nested component system according to embodiment 8, wherein the bolt head has a hexagonal shape.

[0045] 13. The nested component system according to embodiment 12, wherein the tool is a hexagon socket.

[0046] 14. The nested component system according to embodiment 8, wherein a clockwise rotation of the tool inserts the bolt shaft into the threaded portion of the bolt aligner.

[0047] 15. The nested component system according to embodiment 14, wherein the rotation of the bolt is stopped by the buffer.

[0048] 16. A method for a nested component of a bolt and a gasket, the method comprising:

[0049] Providing a gasket that includes an opening into a countersink, the opening being concentric with a through-hole of an insert kit;

[0050] Inserting a bolt shaft of the bolt through the opening of the gasket and the through-hole such that a distal end portion of the bolt contacts a threaded portion of a bolt aligner;

[0051] Rotating clockwise a sleeve axially disposed above the bolt;

[0052] Contacting a bolt head coupled to the bolt shaft with the sleeve such that the bolt rotates clockwise;

[0053] Rotating the bolt into the threaded portion of the bolt aligner until the clockwise rotation is stopped by a buffer;

[0054] Capturing the bolt head using the sleeve;

[0055] Rotating counterclockwise the bolt head and the gasket relative to the bolt aligner; and

[0056] Removing the bolt and the gasket from the insert kit using the sleeve.

[0057] 17. The method according to embodiment 16, wherein capturing the bolt head using the sleeve further comprises: when the rotation of the bolt stops, the sleeve axially receives the bolt head.

[0058] 18. The method according to claim 16, wherein removing the bolt and the gasket further comprises: using a magnet disposed in the sleeve to hold the bolt and the gasket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a system according to the principles of the present disclosure, the system including an automaton, a nesting kit, and a bolt aligner;

[0061] Figure 2A is Figure 1 a top view of the bolt aligner of

[0062] Figure 2B is Figure 1 a side view of the bolt aligner of

[0063] Figure 3 is of a Figure 1 system according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0064] Figure 4 is of a Figure 1 system according to the principles of the present disclosure; and

[0065] Figure 5 is of a Figure 1 system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0066] Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0068] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an" and "the" may be intended to also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "including" and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes and operations described herein will not be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as the order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0069] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "engaged to", "connected to", "attached to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on", "directly engaged to", "directly connected to", "directly attached to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, intervening elements or layers may not be present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent", etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0070] The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Unless the context clearly indicates, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order. Thus, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary configuration.

[0071] In the present application (including the definitions below), the term "module" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include any of the following: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuits; digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuits; combinational logic circuits; a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip.

[0072] As used above, the term "code" may include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term "shared processor" encompasses a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" encompasses a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "shared memory" encompasses a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" encompasses a memory that, in combination with additional memories, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "memory" may be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium". The term "computer-readable medium" does not encompass transitory electrical and electromagnetic signals propagated through a medium, and may thus be considered tangible and non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable media that include non-volatile memory, magnetic storage devices, and optical storage devices.

[0073] The devices and methods described in the present application may be implemented in part or in whole by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include and / or rely on stored data.

[0074] A software application (i.e., a software resource) may refer to computer software that causes a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application", an "app", or a "program". Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0075] A non-transitory memory can be a physical device for temporarily or permanently storing programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. The non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used for firmware such as a boot program). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and magnetic disks or tapes.

[0076] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming language and / or in assembly / machine language. As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium” refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, device, and / or apparatus (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a memory, a programmable logic device (PLD)) that provides machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal that provides machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0077] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be realized in digital electronic circuitry and / or optical circuitry, integrated circuit systems, specially designed application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations can include implementations in one or more computer programs that are executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which can be special purpose or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0078] The processes and logical flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors (also referred to as data processing hardware) that execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logical flows can also be performed by special purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). By way of example, processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices (such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to one or more mass storage devices or both. However, a computer need not have such devices. Computer readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, by way of example including: semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0079] For providing interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented on a computer having: a display device (e.g., a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor, or touch screen) for displaying information to the user; and optionally a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or a trackball) by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, the feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and the input received from the user can be received in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. Additionally, the computer can interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from the devices used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a user client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0080] Reference Figure 1, shows a nested component system 10, which includes an automaton 20, a nesting kit 30, and a bolt aligner 100. Generally, the automaton 20 may include a base 21 coupled to a frame 22. The automaton 20 may also include a component arm 23 coupled to a head 24. The component arm 23 is capable of laterally moving relative to the base 21 such that the head 24 can engage with the nesting kit 30. When the automaton 20 is aligned with or otherwise engages the nesting kit 30, the automaton 20 can supply a gasket 40 and a bolt 50 to the nesting kit 30 via the head 24. For example, the gasket 40 and the bolt 50 can be supplied to the nesting kit 30 by other means, such as by a feeder or an operator. The head 24 can include a tool such as a hexagon screwdriver socket 25 ( Figure 3 ), or another tool corresponding to the bolt 50, which is coupled to the head 24 and actuated (i.e., rotated) by a transmission system (e.g., by a motor) disposed in the head 24.

[0081] Continuing to refer to Figure 1 , the nesting kit 30 may be coupled to the frame 22 and disposed adjacent to the base 21 of the automaton 20. In other words, the nesting kit 30 may include: a support 31, which is coupled to the frame 22; and a body 32, which is coupled to the support 31 so as to be axially disposed from the frame 22. Referring to Figure 3 , the body 32 can include a top side 33, a bottom side 34, and a thickness 35 between the top side 33 and the bottom side 34. A through hole 36 may be disposed in the body 32 so as to extend from the top side 33 through the bottom side 34. The thickness 35 of the body 32 and the diameter of the through hole 36 can be selected based on the size of the bolt 50 (e.g., shaft diameter and shaft length) such that the bolt 50 can be easily inserted through the through hole 36 and a portion of the bolt 50 extends beyond the bottom side 34 of the body 32. A countersink 37 can be concentrically disposed with the through hole 36. The countersink 37 can extend into the body 32 such that the gasket 40 can be laterally constrained within the countersink 37 during assembly.

[0082] For example, the gasket 40 can be a standard flat gasket with an opening 41 or another gasket used in the automotive industry. As Figure 3Best shown in, bolt 50 can include a shaft 51 having a distal end 52 and a proximal end 53. A bolt head 54 can be coupled to the bolt shaft 51 near the proximal end 53. The bolt head 54 can be hexagonal in shape or another shape corresponding to a tool (such as socket 25). For example, a threaded portion 55 can be disposed along a portion of the shaft 51 between a shank 56 and a point 57. The shank 56 can be axially disposed along the shaft 51 between the bolt head 54 and the threaded portion 55. The point 57 can axially extend from the threaded portion 55 and be disposed at the distal end 52 of the bolt shaft 51. Note that during operation or assembly, other bolts that look different and / or include different features than the bolt 50 shown throughout the figures can be selected or used. For example, the bolt shaft 51 may not include the shank 56 and / or the point 57. However, the threaded portion 55 can extend the entire length of the shaft 51.

[0083] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B , there is shown a bolt aligner 100 including a body 102, the body including a first or upper surface 104, an opposite second or lower surface 106, and a thickness 108 extending between the first surface 104 and the second surface 106. The body 102 can include a first through hole 110, a second through hole 112, and a third through hole 114, all of which extend from the upper surface 104 through the bottom surface 106. For example, as Figure 3 shown, the second through hole 112 and the third through hole 114 can be configured (e.g., threaded or tapped) to receive a fastener 115 (e.g., a mounting bolt) to secure the bolt aligner 100 to the frame 22. A counter sink or bolt alignment feature 116 can be concentrically disposed with the first through hole 110 and can extend from the upper surface 106 through a portion of the thickness 108. The alignment feature 116 can be desirably used to position the bolt 50 within the first through hole 110. The body 102 can also include a counterbore or buffer chamber 118 that is concentrically disposed with the first through hole 110 and extends from the lower surface 106 through a portion of the thickness 108. For example, the buffer chamber 118 can be configured to receive a buffer 120 ( Figure 3 ), which is made of rubber, polymer, or another material suitable for elastic deformation. As Figure 3 shown, the buffer 120 can be axially clamped between the bolt aligner 100 and the frame 22 such that the buffer 120 cannot be easily removed from the buffer chamber 118. A threaded portion 122 can be axially disposed within the first through hole 110. As Figure 3As shown, the threaded portion 122 can be axially disposed between the alignment feature 116 and the buffer chamber 118. The threaded portion 122 can correspond to the threaded portion 55 of the bolt 50 such that the threaded portion 55 can be inserted into the threaded portion 122 of the bolt aligner 100. Moreover, the buffer chamber 118 can laterally align the buffer 120 with the threaded portion 122 such that the bolt 50 can contact the buffer 120.

[0084] Reference Figure 3 - 5 , a method for a nested assembly of the bolt 50 and the spacer 40 using the bolt aligner 100 will be discussed in more detail below. Specifically referring to Figure 3 , the spacer 40 can be provided and the spacer is disposed in the counterbore 37 of the insert kit 30 such that the opening 41 is generally concentric with the through hole 36. As shown, the bolt 50 can be provided and the bolt is arranged to pass through the opening 41 of the spacer 40 and extend through the through hole 36 of the insert kit 30 such that a portion of the bolt 50 extends beyond the bottom side 34 of the insert kit 30. As shown, the distal end portion 52 of the bolt 50 can rest on and / or contact the threaded portion 122 of the bolt aligner 100. At this time, the nested assembly system 10 can start the pick-up operation of the bolt 50 and the spacer 40. The sleeve 25 can be actuated clockwise (e.g., via a transmission system or otherwise) and axially moved (e.g., by the automaton 20 or otherwise) such that the sleeve 25 contacts the bolt head 54. As a result, the contact between the sleeve 25 and the bolt head 54 will cause the bolt 50 to rotate clockwise within the insert kit 30. In the absence of the bolt aligner 100, typically the bolt 50 will continuously whirl until the sleeve 25 and the bolt head 54 are aligned with each other, which usually results in damage to the threads of the bolt due to the contact between the threads and the through hole of the insert kit. However, here, due to the contact between the sleeve 25 and the bolt head 54, the threaded portion 55 of the bolt 50 is inserted into the threaded portion 122 of the first through hole 110 of the bolt aligner 100. Thus, the bolt 50 can be vertically constrained by the threaded portion 122 of the bolt aligner 100. The bolt 50 can continue to be inserted into the bolt aligner 100 until the bolt 50 contacts the buffer 120, which can impede the rotation of the bolt 50.

[0085] Reference Figure 4, for example, due to the friction between the bolt 50 and the buffer 120, the buffer 120 can eventually stop the rotation of the bolt 50. As shown, the buffer 120 can be made of a material configured to elastically deform when the bolt 50 rotates into the threaded portion 122 of the bolt aligner 100. The contact between the bolt 50 and the buffer 120 can rotationally constrain the bolt 50 such that the bolt 50 stops rotating clockwise. Thus, even if the sleeve 25 remains in contact with the bolt head 54, the buffer 120 can prevent the bolt 50 from further rotating. By vertically and rotationally constraining the bolt 50, it becomes more likely that the sleeve 25 is aligned with the bolt head 54 such that the sleeve 25 can capture the bolt head 54. In other words, when the bolt 50 no longer rotates due to contact with the rotating sleeve 25, the geometry of the sleeve 25 (e.g., hexagonal) can more easily be aligned with the geometry of the bolt head 54 (e.g., hexagonal) such that the bolt head 54 can be received by the sleeve 25. This can be desirable, for example, to save time during manufacturing operations.

[0086] Reference Figure 5 , once the sleeve 25 has captured the bolt head 54, the bolt 50 and the gasket 40 can be held together within the sleeve 25 (e.g., via a magnet within the sleeve 25 or otherwise). To complete the pick-up operation of the bolt 50 and the gasket 40, the sleeve 25 can be actuated counterclockwise (e.g., via a drive system or otherwise) such that the threaded portion 55 of the bolt 50 is unthreaded from the threaded portion 122 of the bolt aligner 100. As Figure 5 shown, removing the bolt 50 from the threaded portion 122 frees the bolt 50 from any axial constraint relative to the bolt aligner 100 and thus can be axially removed from the insert kit 30 together with the gasket 40.

[0087] Several embodiments have been described. However, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

[0088] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration even if not specifically shown or described and, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration. The individual elements or features of a particular configuration can also vary in many respects. Such variations will not be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A bolt aligner, comprising: a body, the body comprising: a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a thickness between the first surface and the second surface, a first through hole extending from the first surface through the second surface, a bolt alignment feature concentrically arranged with the first through hole and extending from the first surface through a portion of the thickness, a buffer chamber concentrically arranged with the first through hole and extending from the second surface through a portion of the thickness, a threaded portion axially arranged between the bolt alignment feature and the buffer chamber, a second through hole extending from the first surface through the second surface, and a third through hole extending from the first surface through the second surface, and a buffer arranged in the buffer chamber.

2. The bolt aligner according to claim 1, wherein, The threaded portion is configured to vertically restrain the bolt.

3. The bolt aligner according to claim 1, wherein, The buffer is configured to rotationally restrain the bolt.

4. The bolt aligner according to claim 1, wherein, The buffer is made of an elastic material.

5. The bolt aligner according to claim 4, wherein, The buffer is made of rubber.

6. The bolt aligner according to claim 5, wherein, When the bolt is inserted into the first through hole and tightened by the threaded portion, the buffer elastically deforms.

7. The bolt aligner according to claim 1, further comprising one or more fasteners arranged in one of the second through hole and the third through hole to fasten the bolt aligner to a frame.

8. The bolt aligner according to claim 7, wherein, The buffer is axially clamped between the body and the frame.

9. The bolt aligner according to claim 1, wherein, The buffer chamber laterally aligns the buffer with the first through hole of the body.

10. The bolt aligner according to claim 9, wherein, The buffer chamber laterally aligns the buffer with the threaded portion.

Images