Adjustable Diameter Step Pin for Precision Tooling Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tooling methodologies face challenges in accurately aligning and securing fracture-critical assemblies due to loose tolerances, requiring numerous precision ground step pins for proper boring, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable diameter step pin apparatus with a collet and thumb screw mechanism allows for precise adjustment of pin diameters in 0.001″ increments, enabling a single tool to fit various sizes and ensuring accurate alignment without the need for multiple precision ground pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple precision ground step pins are used to accommodate loose tolerances in incoming parts, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The step pin incorporates an adjustable diameter mechanism that allows the pin to dynamically change its size to match different hole tolerances. The adjustable diameter step pin can be modified to fit within the +/−0.010″ hole location tolerance range, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size precision pins while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the diameter parameter of the step pin from a fixed value to an adjustable range. By allowing the diameter to be modified within specific increments (e.g., 0.001″ or 0.0005″), a single pin can accommodate the variation in hole sizes caused by loose tolerances, thereby reducing the total number of pins needed.
2Manufacturing precision
If numerous precision ground step pins are manufactured to ensure proper alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but loss of time in manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable diameter mechanism allows the step pin to be quickly modified to match different hole sizes without requiring manufacturing new pins. This dynamic adjustment capability significantly reduces the time needed to accommodate variations in hole location tolerances while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The step pin is designed with an adjustable diameter feature that can be set in advance to match the specific hole tolerance requirements. This preliminary adjustment eliminates the need for time-consuming manufacturing of multiple precision pins, as the same pin can be prepared for different applications beforehand.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple fixed-size step pins are used to match different hole sizes, then fitting accuracy is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable diameter step pin serves multiple functions by accommodating a range of hole sizes within the tolerance specification. Instead of requiring different fixed-size pins for different hole dimensions, a single adjustable pin can be configured to fit various hole sizes, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining fitting accuracy through precise diameter adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an adjustable diameter step pin apparatus. The adjustable diameter step pin apparatus includes a body element and a head element having a thumb screw portion and a threaded portion. The body element includes a plurality of threaded finish structures. The body element may be configured to receive a collet along a longitudinal slot of the adjustable diameter step pin apparatus. The thumb screw portion may be configured to rotate to alter the collet and the threaded portion may be configured to engage with the plurality of threaded finish structures when assembled with the body element. In an embodiment, the head element may be rotatable to engage the threaded portion of the head element into the plurality of threaded finish structures to alter the collet while keeping the body element sturdy.