Alignment Jig With Wedge Jaws for Precise Workpiece Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing multi-component items like toys face challenges in easy manufacture, post-manufacture processes, and accurate placement of decorations due to difficulties in controlling the positioning of workpieces during after-treatment, often hindered by mold runners and complex alignment issues.
Innovation Solution
An alignment jig with movable jaws and angled alignment surfaces that securely hold workpieces, allowing precise alignment and easy separation of sub-parts for accurate after-treatment processes such as printing or spray painting, utilizing resilient materials and pivotally connected jaws for stable gripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If workpieces are held during after-treatment using conventional methods, then the after-treatment process can be performed, but the positioning accuracy of the workpiece is poor and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment jig serves as an intermediary device between the workpiece and the after-treatment machinery. It provides a standardized interface with alignment surfaces that ensure precise positioning of the workpiece relative to the treatment equipment, eliminating the need for complex alignment controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment surfaces are pre-configured on the jig with precise geometric relationships established during jig manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of alignment features eliminates the need for complex real-time alignment adjustments during the after-treatment process.
2Productivity
If mold runners are present during after-treatment, then multi-component items can be manufactured efficiently, but the runners hinder or complicate the after-treatment process
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment jig is designed to hold only the workpiece components that require after-treatment, excluding the mold runners from the treatment zone. This selective extraction allows runners to remain in the molding process for efficiency while not interfering with the after-treatment operations on the actual workpiece components.
3Productivity
If sub-parts are connected by runners, then manufacturing is accelerated, but separation and alignment of sub-parts becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment jig features separate alignment surfaces and jaw structures that can independently accommodate and align different sub-parts. This segmentation allows each sub-part to be positioned and treated independently while maintaining the ability to handle multiple components simultaneously, facilitating both efficient manufacturing and subsequent separation.
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment jig for holding and aligning a workpiece. The alignment jig has a base configured to support the workpiece and a first jaw extending from the base. The first jaw has a wedge-shaped flange defining opposing, angled alignment surfaces. The alignment jig also has a second jaw extending from the base of the alignment jig opposite the first jaw. The second jaw is moveable relative to the base such that the second jaw is configured to clamp a workpiece inserted between the first and second jaw against the alignment surfaces.