Translatable Centering Sleeve for Multi-Component Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centring machines for large components fail to allow internal inspection and efficient power supply, and they cannot hold multiple components simultaneously or couple them during operations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a movable frame with a rotatable and translatable sleeve that can adjust its distance from the frame, enabling internal inspection and power supply through a central power circuit, and a spindle for gripping and rotating additional components, allowing simultaneous handling and assembly of axially symmetric components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spindle does not protrude from the frame, then the component is substantially in contact with the frame, but this prevents the operator from inspecting the inside of the component
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is made translatable along the longitudinal direction relative to the frame, allowing dynamic adjustment of the distance between the component and frame. This enables the operator to move the component away from the frame for inspection when needed, while maintaining contact during operations
Solution Approach 2:
The holding apparatus is divided into separate functional elements: the frame, the translatable sleeve, and the spindle. This segmentation allows the sleeve to be independently positioned to either contact the component for stability or move away to allow inspection access
2Device complexity
If there is no easy way of powering the component, then the machine structure remains simple, but the component requires an external apparatus for supplying power
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is merged with the sleeve structure. Electrical and hydraulic lines are integrated into the sleeve, allowing power to be supplied directly to the component through the holding apparatus itself, eliminating the need for separate external power supply equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is designed to perform multiple functions: holding the component, enabling inspection through translation, and supplying power through integrated electrical and hydraulic connectors. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity
3Productivity
If prior art machines do not allow holding more than one component at the same time, then the machine structure is simpler, but the productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle is designed with universal gripping capability to hold multiple different components simultaneously. The spindle can grip one component while the sleeve holds another, enabling assembly operations and simultaneous handling of multiple parts without requiring separate machines
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for holding a component during the execution of one or more operations comprises a centring machine (2) including: a frame (21), movable along a longitudinal direction (L); a sleeve (22), associated with the frame (21) and elongate along the longitudinal direction (L) between a first end (22A) and a second end (22B), facing the outside of the frame (21) in a direction of holding and configured to come into contact with the component (PZ); an actuating unit (23, 25), connected to the sleeve (22) to place it in rotation about the axis of rotation (A) and to the frame (21) to move it along the longitudinal direction (L). The sleeve (22) rotates relative to the frame (21) about an axis of rotation (A) and translates along the longitudinal direction (L) relative to the frame (21) in order to vary a distance of the second end (22B) of the sleeve (22) from the frame (21).