Adjustable Assembly Jig Flag With Lockable Pivot Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable flags lack the necessary rigidity for consistent repeatability and often require additional components like shims and welding to achieve precise interaction points, making them laborious and costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A selectively adjustable and lockable flag design featuring a base with pivoting positioning members and a joining connection that transitions between a movable and locked configuration, eliminating the need for custom components by using dowels for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If adjustable flags are used instead of non-adjustable flags, then manufacturing cost and time are reduced, but rigidity and consistent repeatability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flag assembly incorporates a positioning member that can selectively pivot about an axis, transitioning between adjustable and fixed states. This dynamic capability allows the assembly to be quickly configured during manufacturing and then locked rigid for production, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The joining connection changes its state from movable to locked through a locking mechanism, altering the physical parameter of rigidity. This parameter change enables the same component to provide both adjustability during setup and rigidity during operation, eliminating the need for welding while maintaining stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If non-adjustable flags are used with shims and other components to achieve precise interaction points, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member serves multiple functions: it provides adjustment capability, maintains precise positioning through the locking mechanism, and eliminates the need for separate shim components. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for shim components and other additional parts by integrating the positioning and locking functions directly into the flag assembly structure. This simplification maintains precision interaction points without requiring complex component assemblies.
3Stability of the object's composition
If adjustable flags are welded to the frame to provide rigidity, then stability is improved, but adjustability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The joining connection incorporates a locking mechanism that allows the positioning member to transition between movable and fixed states. This dynamic design provides weld-like stability when locked while maintaining adjustability capability, eliminating the need to weld the flag to the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The state of the joining connection changes from movable to locked through the locking mechanism, providing rigidity without permanent attachment. This parameter change enables the system to achieve stability comparable to welding while preserving the ability to adjust and reposition the flag.
Data Source
AI summary
A flag for securing a work piece to an assembly jig comprises a base. At least one positioning member extends outwardly from the base for selectively pivoting about at least one axis. An end effector is connected to the at least one positioning member and defines an interaction point for engaging the work piece. A joining connection secures one of the at least one positioning member to another of the at least one positioning member. The joining connection has a first configuration and a second configuration. One of the at least one positioning member is moveable relative to another of the at least one positioning member in the first configuration. The joining connection defines at least one bore for receiving a dowel to secure one of the at least one positioning member to another of the at least one positioning member to lock the interaction point in the second configuration.