Asymmetrical Cutout Pin for Precise Play-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pins used for joining parts suffer from friction-induced deformation, leading to inaccurate and unpredictable relative positioning, damage during assembly, and difficulty in insertion and removal, which compromises precision and repeatability.
Innovation Solution
A pin design with a cutout separating a fixed and flexible part, featuring an asymmetrical projection, allows for precise and repeatable positioning by distributing stress and ensuring the pin remains non-deformable during assembly, with a flexible part generating elastic restoring forces for secure clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pin is made elastic to facilitate assembly and disassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to unpredictable deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is segmented into three distinct zones along its length: a rigid zone for positioning, a flexible zone for elastic deformation, and an intermediate transition zone. This segmentation allows different portions of the pin to fulfill different functions - the rigid portion maintains positioning accuracy while the flexible portion enables easy assembly and disassembly through controlled elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the pin are given different mechanical properties - the first portion has high rigidity for precise positioning, the second portion has flexibility for elastic deformation, and the third portion has intermediate properties. This local differentiation of material properties allows the pin to simultaneously achieve both positioning precision and ease of operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If tight adjustments are made to limit mechanical play, then positioning accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to friction-induced damage
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is divided into functional zones where the rigid first portion provides precise positioning with tight adjustments to minimize mechanical play, while the flexible second portion absorbs assembly stresses through elastic deformation. This segmentation protects the critical positioning interface from friction-induced damage while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible intermediate portion acts as a cushion that absorbs and dissipates assembly stresses and friction forces before they can reach the rigid positioning portion. This beforehand cushioning protects the pin and connected parts from damage while allowing tight adjustments for high positioning accuracy.
3Productivity
If repeated assemblies are performed, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to cumulative friction damage
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented structure with rigid, flexible, and intermediate zones allows the pin to maintain its dimensional stability in the rigid portion while the flexible portion undergoes reversible elastic deformation during repeated assemblies. This enables high positioning repeatability even after multiple assembly cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin utilizes changes in the elastic state of the flexible portion during assembly and disassembly, while the rigid portion maintains constant dimensional parameters. This parameter differentiation allows repeated assemblies without cumulative friction damage affecting positioning repeatability.
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
Ensures precise and repeatable relative positioning of parts, reduces damage risk, and facilitates easy insertion and removal, maintaining accurate assembly over time.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible part is forced to deform so as to generate an elastic restoring force at the origin of clamping forces of the second end on the second part
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a pin (10) extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end (100) intended to be secured to a first part (30) and a second end (200) intended to be engaged in a housing (21) of a second part (20) according to an adjustment without mechanical play, the second end (200) having a cutout (210) delimiting a fixed part (220) and a flexible part (230) and passing right through the second end (200) transversely to the longitudinal axis, the cutout (210) being configured so as to have, in a plane P containing the longitudinal axis, a projection whose general shape is asymmetrical.