Annular Engagement Member Positioning Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object positioning and fixing devices face challenges in achieving high accuracy in horizontal positioning due to manufacturing errors and complex, costly reference member structures, which limit their compactness and increase production costs.
Innovation Solution
The device employs annular engagement members that elastically deform to engage with tapered surfaces on reference members, allowing precise positioning in both horizontal and vertical directions, while simplifying the structure of reference members by using fitting cylindrical portions with smaller diameters and promoting elastic deformation through annular clearances and grooves, thereby enhancing accuracy and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flange portions are formed on reference members and fixed by bolts, then the reference members can be securely attached to the base member, but the reference members become large-sized members with complicated structures and high production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the attachment function from the reference member itself by providing a separate fitting hole in the base member. The reference member only needs a fitting portion that fits into this hole, eliminating the need for complex flange portions and multiple bolts. This separates the attachment mechanism from the positioning function, simplifying the reference member structure while maintaining secure attachment through the dedicated fitting hole.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the attachment and positioning functions into separate components: the fitting hole in the base member handles attachment, while the engagement projection on the reference member handles positioning. This functional segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If fitting apertures are used to attach reference members, then attachment is achieved, but it is difficult to maintain machining tolerance of 5 μm or less, resulting in poor positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements preliminary action by providing a dedicated fitting hole in the base member with precise positioning features before the reference member is attached. The engagement projection on the reference member is designed to fit into this pre-positioned hole, ensuring accurate positioning without requiring high-precision machining of the reference member itself. This reverses the conventional approach by preparing the base member in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting hole acts as an intermediary element between the base member and reference member. It provides a precise reference frame that mediates the attachment process, allowing the reference member to be positioned accurately without requiring the reference member itself to be machined with extremely tight tolerances.
3Ease of manufacture
If the reference member structure is simplified with smaller diameter fitting portions, then production costs are reduced, but positioning accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by concentrating the precision requirements only at the critical engagement interface between the engagement projection and fitting hole. The rest of the reference member can have simpler, smaller-diameter structures. This localized precision approach maintains positioning accuracy where needed while reducing overall material usage and production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite functional design where the fitting portion and engagement projection are integrated as a single reference member component. This integration allows the use of smaller, more cost-effective materials and manufacturing processes while maintaining the precise positioning function through the carefully designed engagement geometry between the projection and fitting hole.
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 improves positioning accuracy, simplifies the reference member structure, and reduces production costs by allowing precise horizontal and vertical positioning without shifting of reference members, while enabling robust fixing forces and easy assembly/disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
when the target object is pressed towards the base member, for example by bolts for clamping, via elastic deformation of the annular engagement member, the tapered engagement surface of the annular engagement member is engaged in a tightly contacting state to the corresponding tapered engagement surface of the engagement projection
Implementation Method 2
the tapered engagement surface of the annular engagement member is engaged in a tightly contacting state to the corresponding tapered engagement surface of the engagement projection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
In an object positioning and fixing device (1) that positions and fixes a work pallet (3) on a base member (2): a reference seating surface (5) is formed on the base member (2); a contacting surface (3a) is formed on the work pallet (3); fitting cylindrical portions of a plurality of reference members (10, 20) are fixed in a plurality of fitting holes in the base member (2); a plurality of annular engagement members are installed in the work pallet (3); each of reference members (10, 20), has an engagement projection (13, 23); a base end contacting surface (15) of the base end of the engagement projection (13, 23) is brought into contact with the reference seating surface (5), so as to set the height position of the engagement projection (13, 23); and the annular engagement member (30, 40) engaged over the outside of the engagement projection (13, 23) is elastically deformed in the radially outward direction, so that it tightly contacts against the tapered engagement surface (10a, 20a).