Adjustable Part Positioning Assembly with Interchangeable Pucks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning technologies require specific tools for each part or component, leading to increased costs and time due to the need for multiple tools and complex inspection processes, especially in industries like aircraft manufacturing where precise and non-destructive testing is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A part positioning assembly with adjustable components, including a base, post, and interchangeable pucks and pins, allowing for precise positioning of parts with minimal contact area, enabling the use of a single system for various sizes and shapes of components through detachable and magnetic attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If specific tools are used for specific parts, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple tools
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning apparatus employs a universal base assembly with interchangeable pucks and pins that can accommodate various part sizes and shapes. The standardized interface allows a single base unit to perform multiple positioning functions by simply changing the attachment element, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated positioning tools for different part types.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is divided into modular components: a reusable base assembly and detachable pucks/pins. This segmentation allows the complex positioning task to be broken into standardized modules that can be reconfigured for different parts, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple part tooling positions are used, then coverage of inspectable areas is improved, but loss of time increases due to multiple inspection scans
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning apparatus enables dynamic reconfiguration of part positions on the base assembly. By allowing quick changes of pucks and pins, the system can adapt to different inspectable areas without requiring multiple fixed-position tools, reducing the time needed for multiple inspection scans.
3Manufacturing precision
If minimum contact area is used, then positioning precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in securing parts
Solution Approach 1:
The pucks and pins serve as intermediary elements between the base assembly and the part. These intermediaries provide standardized contact interfaces that achieve minimum contact area for precision positioning while incorporating features like magnetic attachment or mechanical locking to ease the operation of securing parts.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces the need for multiple tools and streamlines the inspection process by allowing a single system to handle different components, minimizing contact area and enhancing precision, thereby decreasing costs and processing time while maintaining high accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
detachable and magnetic attachments
Data Source
AI summary
Part positioning apparatus are disclosed. An example apparatus to hold an object comprises: a first assembly including a first post and a first puck fitted onto the first post, the first puck to hold the object such that the first puck eliminates a roll moment of the object; and a second assembly including a second post and a second puck fitted onto the second post, the second puck to hold the object such that the second puck eliminates yaw movement of the object, at least one of the first assembly or the second assembly being adjustable to change a distance between the first and second pucks.