Biasing Member Compression Fixture With Sensor-Guided Ram Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biasing members, such as shock absorbers, require significant human effort to compress safely, reliably, quickly, and repeatedly, which can be beyond human capabilities and lead to inefficient installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A biasing member compression fixture with parallel legs, a base member, and an upper member, equipped with a biasing device and a ram, along with a detecting unit to automate the compression process by detecting the biasing member and using fluid control to facilitate efficient compression and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual compression of biasing members is performed, then human effort is required, but safety, reliability, speed, and repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical compression with an automated compression fixture that uses a controlled compression mechanism. The fixture includes a compression element that automatically applies force to the biasing member, eliminating the need for human physical effort while ensuring consistent and safe compression operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression fixture is designed to automatically detect the presence of a biasing member using a detecting unit, and then self-actuates the compression process without requiring human intervention. The system serves itself by automatically initiating and controlling the compression operation when a biasing member is detected.
2Ease of operation
If manual compression of biasing members is performed, then human effort is required, but compression speed and repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The automated compression fixture replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated system that can compress biasing members at higher speeds. The controlled compression mechanism delivers rapid, consistent compression cycles that are impossible to achieve manually, thereby increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression fixture operates through periodic automated cycles: detection of biasing member, application of compression force, holding the compressed state, and release. This periodic automated action enables rapid repeated compression operations with consistent timing and force application.
3Reliability
If automated compression fixture is used, then compression safety and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression fixture is divided into distinct functional modules: a detecting unit for sensing biasing member presence, a compression mechanism for applying force, and a control system for coordinating operations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detecting unit as an intermediary between the operator and the compression mechanism. This intermediary automatically senses when a biasing member is in place and triggers the compression sequence, eliminating the need for complex manual operation procedures while ensuring safe and reliable operation.
4Productivity
If automated compression fixture is used, then installation efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression fixture is designed with universal features that allow it to handle different types of biasing members through the same basic mechanism. The detecting unit and compression mechanism can accommodate various biasing member configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining high installation efficiency.
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
Enables safe, reliable, and efficient compression of biasing members, reducing human effort and improving installation efficiency by automating the process, allowing for quicker and more precise setup in applications.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member detecting unit may be connected to the upper member and adapted to detect a biasing member in the recess
Implementation Method 2
A biasing device may be connected to the base member and a ram may be connected to the biasing device
Data Source
AI summary
A biasing member compression fixture may have a first leg and a second leg. The legs may be substantially parallel one another and separated by a gap. The fixture may also have a base member connecting the first and second legs and extending across the gap. The biasing device may be connected to the base member and a ram may be connected to the biasing device. An upper member may connect the first and second legs and extend across the gap. A recess may be located in the upper member. A biasing member detecting unit may be connected to the upper member and may be adapted to detect a biasing member in the recess.