Adjustable Locating Pin Assembly for Finger Direction Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pin clamp assemblies are cumbersome and costly to adjust or remove, requiring the entire assembly to be replaced for different finger directions, which disrupts production and increases labor costs.
Innovation Solution
The locating pin assembly allows for easy adjustment of the finger direction without removing the entire assembly, with the locating pin top and drive rod top rotating independently, enabling the use of different locating pin diameters by swapping the dowel pin and finger components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire pin clamp assembly is removed and replaced to change finger direction, then the desired finger direction is achieved, but production downtime and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locating pin assembly is divided into separable components: the locating pin body, the finger, and the drive rod. The finger can be detached from the locating pin body by removing the dowel pin, allowing independent replacement or repositioning of the finger without removing the entire pin clamp assembly from the workpiece.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The finger's position and orientation can be changed by detaching and reattaching it at different locations on the locating pin body, enabling adaptability without complete assembly removal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire pin clamp assembly is removed and replaced to change finger direction, then the desired finger direction is achieved, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locating pin assembly is divided into separable components: the locating pin body, the finger, and the drive rod. The finger can be detached from the locating pin body by removing the dowel pin, allowing independent replacement or repositioning of the finger without removing the entire pin clamp assembly from the workpiece.
Solution Approach 2:
The dowel pin serves as a simple, replaceable fastening element that can be quickly removed and reinstalled. This allows the finger to be easily detached, repositioned, or replaced without complex tools or procedures, reducing labor requirements for adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different locating pin diameters are used, then different workpiece holes can be accommodated, but the entire assembly must be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The locating pin assembly is divided into separable components: the locating pin body, the finger, and the drive rod. The finger can be detached from the locating pin body by removing the dowel pin, allowing independent replacement or repositioning of the finger without removing the entire pin clamp assembly from the workpiece.
Solution Approach 2:
The locating pin body serves as a universal base that can accommodate different fingers and drive rod combinations. By keeping the locating pin body in place and only replacing or reconfiguring the attached components, the system achieves multi-diameter capability without complete assembly replacement.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A locating pin assembly (20) including a locating pin (10) movable between extended and retracted positions. The locating pin includes a locating pin top (7) having a top end and a bottom end, a locating pin base (8) receiving the bottom end of the locating pin top, and a dowel pin (6) configured to couple the locating pin top and locating pin base together. The locating pin assembly also includes a drive rod (15) moveable relative to the locating pin. The drive rod includes a drive rod top (1) having a top end and a bottom end, and a drive rod base (2) partially housing the drive rod top. The locating pin assembly also includes a finger (5) coupled to the drive rod and movable between extended and fully retracted positions, the finger is extended by the drive rod without movement of the locating pin, and the finger is rotatable from a first position to a second position.