Boot Band Clamping Device Phase Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for automating the clamping of boot bands on constant velocity universal joints face challenges in aligning the boot band and joint in phase in the circumferential direction and require skilled operators to adjust the clamping mechanism for accurate axial alignment, leading to variability in quality and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A clamping method and device using a pair of claw members that aligns with the boot band's axial position and positions the boot band and constant velocity universal joint in phase, allowing for automatic clamping without manual intervention, utilizing band and joint positioning mechanisms and sensors for precise alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated clamping devices are used, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to difficulty in phase alignment and axial position alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping speedVSAvoidclamping position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary positioning of the boot band in the circumferential direction using a positioning jig before clamping. The positioning jig includes a positioning protrusion that fits into a positioning groove on the boot band, pre-aligning it with the constant velocity universal joint in the circumferential direction. This preliminary action eliminates the need for skilled operators to manually adjust phase alignment during the clamping process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A positioning jig acts as an intermediary between the automated clamping device and the boot band. The positioning jig includes a positioning protrusion that fits into a positioning groove on the boot band, pre-aligning it with the constant velocity universal joint in the circumferential direction. This intermediary component enables automated devices to achieve precise alignment without requiring skilled operator intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual positioning and clamping by skilled operators is used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to variability in work hours and quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping position accuracyVSAvoidwork efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-positioning through the positioning jig that automatically aligns the boot band with the constant velocity universal joint. The positioning protrusion on the jig fits into the positioning groove on the boot band, causing the boot band to self-align in the circumferential direction without requiring skilled operator adjustment. This self-service mechanism enables unskilled operators to achieve consistent precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical skill-based manual adjustment system with an automated positioning and clamping system. The positioning jig with positioning protrusion and groove, combined with the automated clamping device, substitutes for the skilled operator's manual positioning and clamping actions, enabling unskilled operators to achieve consistent precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If automated clamping devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for positioning mechanisms and sensors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator skill requirementVSAvoidpositioning and alignment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning and clamping function is segmented into two independent components: a positioning jig for circumferential alignment and a clamping device for radial shrinking. The positioning jig includes a positioning protrusion that fits into a positioning groove on the boot band, handling alignment separately from the clamping action. This segmentation simplifies the overall system by dividing complex positioning-clamping integration into manageable, independent modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If conventional clamping methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to variability in clamping quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping mechanism simplicityVSAvoidclamping quality consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The automated clamping device incorporates sensors that detect the position of the boot band and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism ensures that the clamping operation is performed at the correct position and with appropriate force, eliminating the quality variability associated with manual operations. The feedback system maintains reliable, consistent clamping quality while using a relatively simple clamping mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9993901B2Clamping device

Publication Date: 2018.06.12 NTN CORP

AI summary

A boot band for fixing a boot that is mounted to a constant velocity universal joint is clamped. The boot band and the constant velocity universal joint are aligned in phase with each other in a circumferential direction. An axial position of a clamping portion is thereafter aligned with an axial position of the boot band. Then, the boot band is clamped by the clamping portion.