Chuck Assembly Using Lever Shafts for Precise Transport Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional chuck apparatuses face challenges in achieving high accuracy of grip member positioning with respect to transport devices due to accumulated machining tolerances and the need for specialized jigs during assembly.

Innovation Solution

The chuck apparatus features a pair of grip members driven by a piston through levers, where each lever is rotatably supported by a lever shaft that protrudes from the mounting surface, allowing for precise positioning with respect to the transport device using these projections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional chuck apparatus uses multiple components between grip members and transport device, then the structure is more flexible and adaptable, but machining tolerances accumulate and positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy of grip membersVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lever shafts are integrated into the body structure, with the mounting surface and lever shaft support functions combined in a single component. This merging eliminates intermediate components and their associated machining tolerances, directly improving positioning accuracy while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lever shafts are pre-positioned and fixed to the body at predetermined positions before assembly with the transport device. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the grip members are already accurately positioned relative to the body, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures and special jigs during final assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional chuck apparatus requires special jig for assembly, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly positioning accuracyVSAvoidassembly process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lever shafts serve a dual function: they are both the rotating shafts for the levers and the positioning elements for mounting the entire chuck apparatus to the transport device. This self-service design eliminates the need for separate positioning jigs, as the lever shafts themselves provide the reference for accurate assembly positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The lever shafts are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: supporting lever rotation, providing mounting positioning references, and serving as alignment features. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated positioning jigs, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4039423B1Chuck apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.10.11 SMC CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A chuck apparatus (10) includes a pair of grip members (40) driven by a piston (32) via a pair of levers (42), and the levers are rotatably supported by a body (46) via lever shafts (44). A lever shaft protrudes from the attachment surface (46b) of the body to the transport device (68), and positioning with respect to the transport device is performed by using the protruding portion.