Articulating Alignment Member for Visual Assembly and Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stationary alignment pins are difficult to visually align with mating holes, leading to potential component damage and increased manufacturing complexity, and their length is constrained by storage and transportation requirements.
Innovation Solution
An articulating alignment and retention member that can transition from a collapsed position for storage to an extended position for alignment, featuring a rotatable design with a locking mechanism to maintain the extended position, allowing easier assembly and minimizing storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stationary alignment pin is used, then the alignment function is provided, but the pin is difficult to visually align with the mating hole and occupies excessive storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment pin is designed with a dynamic articulating structure that allows it to transition between extended and collapsed positions. The pin can be extended to a visible length for alignment operations and collapsed to a compact form for storage, resolving the contradiction between visibility during operation and space efficiency during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment pin incorporates a telescopic or nested structure where segments of the pin can be extended or retracted. When collapsed, the pin segments nest within each other, minimizing storage volume. When extended, the full length is available for visual alignment with mating holes.
2Illumination intensity
If the alignment pin length is extended for better visibility, then visual alignment is improved, but storage and transportation constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The pin implements a dynamic length adjustment mechanism allowing it to extend to a long visible length during alignment operations and retract to a short compact length for storage and transportation, thereby satisfying both visibility requirements and packaging constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment pin is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be extended or retracted relative to each other. This segmentation allows the pin to achieve a long extended length for visibility during assembly while collapsing to a short compact form for storage, resolving the contradiction between visibility and package space.
3Manufacturing precision
If a stationary alignment pin is used, then alignment function is provided, but component damage or additional manufacturing complexity may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating alignment pin provides precise alignment when extended, matching the functionality of a stationary pin. The added complexity of the articulating mechanism is minimal compared to the benefits of improved visibility and reduced storage space, effectively resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and device complexity.
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
Facilitates easier alignment of components during assembly by being more visible in the extended position and occupying minimal space when collapsed, reducing the risk of damage and manufacturing complexity while accommodating tight packaging constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a locking mechanism configured to engage with the first base member
Implementation Method 2
a second base member rotatably coupled to the first base member, and a locking mechanism configured to engage with the first base member
Implementation Method 3
at least one retention member flexibly coupled to the second body member... the retention member flexes between an unflexed position, a flexed position, and the unflexed position during an installation operation
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment member includes a first body member having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, a second body member having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, the second body member coupled to the first body member such that the first and second body members define a longitudinal axis of the alignment member, a first base member coupled to the second body member, a second base member rotatably coupled to the first base member, and a locking mechanism configured to engage with the first base member. The first base member rotates relative to the second base member to position the alignment member from a first position to a second position and the locking mechanism engages with the first base member to retain the alignment member in the second position.