Adjustable Pin Fixture for Non-Standard Part Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly systems require dedicated and customizable fixtures for each subcomponent, leading to high lead times and capital investments due to limited adjustability and non-standardized holes, necessitating separate grippers for each configuration.
Innovation Solution
A part holding assembly with a frame and movable devices featuring pins that can expand to secure parts with non-standard hole configurations, allowing for adjustable positioning and securement of parts with varying hole placements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dedicated fixtures are designed for each subcomponent, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and capital investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture is designed with multiple adjustable components including a base, vertical column, and positioning mechanisms that can be reconfigured for different subcomponents. The universal fixture replaces multiple dedicated fixtures, allowing the same device to perform multiple positioning functions through adjustment of its components rather than requiring separate custom-designed fixtures for each subcomponent type.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture incorporates adjustable and movable elements such as the vertical column that can be repositioned, and positioning mechanisms that can be adjusted to accommodate different subcomponent configurations. This dynamic adjustability allows the fixture to adapt to various positioning requirements without requiring a completely new dedicated fixture design for each subcomponent.
2Reliability
If dedicated grippers are used for each subcomponent configuration, then gripping reliability is improved, but lead time and capital investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is designed with adjustable fingers and positioning mechanisms that can be reconfigured to accommodate different subcomponent shapes, sizes, and hole configurations. This universal gripper design allows a single device to reliably grip multiple different subcomponents by adjusting its configuration, eliminating the need to design and manufacture separate dedicated grippers for each subcomponent type.
3Manufacturing precision
If customized fixtures are designed for each subcomponent, then positioning accuracy is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture incorporates multiple adjustable components including a base, vertical column, and positioning mechanisms that can be reconfigured for different subcomponents. The universal fixture replaces multiple dedicated fixtures, allowing the same device to perform multiple positioning functions through adjustment of its components rather than requiring separate custom-designed fixtures for each subcomponent type.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture incorporates adjustable and movable elements such as the vertical column that can be repositioned, and positioning mechanisms that can be adjusted to accommodate different subcomponent configurations. This dynamic adjustability allows the fixture to adapt to various positioning requirements without requiring a completely new dedicated fixture design for each subcomponent.
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
The solution provides cost and time savings by enabling versatile assembly of different parts with adjustable positioning and securement, reducing the need for custom fixtures and dedicated grippers, while maintaining precision and adjustability.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second pins are configured to expand in the respective holes when in the open position for securing the part to the first and second devices
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly system and a part holding assembly are configured to locate and secure a part defining a plurality of holes. The assembly includes a frame having a track. The assembly includes a first device and a second device each supported by the frame. One of the devices is movable along the track for positioning the devices relative to each other and relative to the location of the holes of the part. The first device includes a first pin and the second device includes a second pin. Each of the pins is movable between a closed position and an open position. The pins are configured to be disposed through respective holes of the part when in the closed position for locating the part. The pins are configured to expand in the respective holes when in the open position for securing the part to the devices.