Adjustable Jig Apparatus for Precise Workpiece Hole Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing jig apparatus for drilling often fails to accurately locate the position of the hole on the workpiece, leading to incorrect placement and rendering the workpiece unusable.

Innovation Solution

A jig apparatus with elongate members that can be selectively positioned and extended from the base, featuring a locator system with measurement scales and locking mechanisms to ensure precise placement of the workpiece and drill bit, allowing for accurate selection and maintenance of the hole location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional jig apparatus with fixed guide channel is used, then drilling accuracy is improved, but hole positioning accuracy on workpiece deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling accuracyVSAvoidhole positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system is segmented into multiple independent components: elongate members that can be selectively attached to the base, locators that can be positioned along these members, and measurement scales that enable precise location selection. This segmentation allows the positioning function to be independently optimized without affecting the guide channel's drilling accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable system. The elongate members can be selectively positioned and locked at different locations on the base, and the locators can be moved along these members to different positions, enabling flexible adaptation to various workpiece sizes and hole positioning requirements while maintaining drilling accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If fixed-length guide channel is used, then drilling accuracy is maintained, but adaptability to different workpiece sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling accuracyVSAvoidworkpiece size adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system is divided into modular components including the base, selectively attachable elongate members, and movable locators. This modular structure enables the system to be configured for different workpiece sizes while maintaining the guide channel's drilling accuracy through independent positioning adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base is designed with multiple attachment points and the elongate members can be positioned at various locations, enabling the same jig apparatus to accommodate different workpiece sizes and drilling requirements. The measurement scales and locators provide universal positioning capability across multiple configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If simple base structure is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but positioning capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase structure simplicityVSAvoidworkpiece positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning functionality is segmented into separate, independently manufacturable components: the base provides structural support, elongate members provide positioning references, and locators provide precise location selection. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using simple processes while collectively achieving high positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement scales are designed to be directly readable on the elongate members, and the locators can be manually positioned and locked without complex adjustment mechanisms. This self-service design enables precise positioning through simple visual alignment and manual operation, avoiding the need for complex manufacturing while achieving high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3843923B1Improvements to jig apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 POWER BOX
  • EP3843923B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3843923B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3843923B1 patent drawingFigure 4a

AI summary

The invention relates to jig apparatus (2) for use in the positioning of a workpiece (22) in which one or more apertures are to be formed using a power tool (25), said jig including at least one elongate member (30, 32, 34), which is extendable from a side of the base (4) of the jig and connected thereto via engagement means (40). A locator (56) is selectively positionable on the elongate member and lockable in the said selected position to allow the workpiece to be located therewith and thereby locate the workpiece in a required position with respect to the jig apparatus.