One-touch Adapter Code Pin Orientation for Automated Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adapter assemblies in automated handling equipment suffer from rotational play and lack of foolproof orientation, leading to looseness and improper alignment of tooling components.
Innovation Solution
The adapter assembly incorporates code members with variable orientations on its components, ensuring precise alignment and secure mounting through a locking mechanism using code pins and a latch system, preventing relative movement and ensuring correct orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mating surfaces are used to connect adapter and mounting receiver, then assembly is simplified, but rotational play and looseness occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric code pins with specific orientations on the adapter and mounting receiver. The code pins have predetermined orientations that must align for proper assembly, preventing rotational play while maintaining simple assembly through the code pin alignment mechanism rather than complex locking structures.
2Reliability
If latch mechanism is added to secure adapter, then connection stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alignment and locking functions into a single integrated mechanism. The code pins serve both as alignment guides during assembly and as locking elements that prevent rotation when properly positioned. The latch lever works in conjunction with the code pin orientations to provide secure attachment without requiring separate alignment and locking mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If code members with variable orientations are used, then orientation precision improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The code pins are pre-configured in specific orientations during manufacturing of the adapter and mounting receiver components. This preliminary establishment of code pin orientations ensures precise alignment is built into the components themselves, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during final assembly while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard machining operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter assembly (28) for use in an automated handling equipment system includes a first component and a second component that is selectively mountable to the first component. At least one first code member (82) is associated with the first component and at least one second code member (84) is associated with a second component. The at least one first code member and the at least one second code member have a variable orientation relative to each other that controls whether the second component can be mounted to the first component.