Backlash-Free Centering Pin with Conical Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centering and holding devices for sheet metal or similar materials face precision issues due to machining tolerances, leading to backlash and incorrect positioning during machining operations, which can result in rejection of the pieces.
Innovation Solution
A centering pin with a conical section for backlash-free engagement and elastic thrust means, such as helical springs, ensures precise locking without backlash, allowing for accurate positioning and machining regardless of hole size tolerances, and a compact design suitable for small spaces and robotic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a cylindrical centering pin is used to engage a centering hole, then the device structure is simple, but machining tolerances cause backlash and positioning inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The centering pin transitions from a cylindrical shape to a conical shape, changing the geometric parameter of the engagement surface. This conical configuration allows the pin to self-adjust and eliminate backlash caused by machining tolerances in the centering hole, thereby improving positioning accuracy while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The centering pin incorporates a conical section with a curved surface that diverges toward the main body. This curvature enables the pin to engage the centering hole in a manner that accommodates dimensional variations, ensuring backlash-free engagement and precise positioning without increasing device complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If elastic thrust means are added to the centering pin, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Elastic thrust means are introduced to the centering pin, changing the mechanical parameter of the engagement system. The elastic component provides a controlled force that ensures firm engagement and eliminates backlash, improving locking precision while adding only minimal structural elements
Solution Approach 2:
The centering pin is divided into functional sections: a conical engagement section for backlash-free positioning and a cylindrical section for structural support. The elastic thrust means are applied selectively to the conical section, segmenting the functions to achieve high precision without unnecessarily complicating the overall device structure
3Volume of stationary object
If a compact device design is used, then space requirements are reduced, but the device may not accommodate the centering and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The centering pin is designed with a nested structure where the conical section is integrated within the overall pin geometry. The elastic thrust means are positioned within the conical section, allowing the mechanisms to be compactly arranged. This nesting enables the device to maintain a small volume while accommodating all necessary centering and locking components
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
The solution enables precise centering and locking of pieces without backlash, ensuring accurate machining and allowing for the coupling of members with greater precision, while maintaining a compact and reliable device structure.
Implementation Method 1
biased by elastic thrust means tending to move it away from the main body
Implementation Method 2
said elastic thrust means consist of at least one helical spring
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
A hook-shaped centering and holding device adapted for centering and holding a member (S), particularly a body member or a support member for supporting an equipment, provided with at least one centering hole (H), comprises a body (12) defining a bearing surface (66a) for the member (S), and a hooking member (16) movable between a resting position spaced from the bearing surface (66a) and at least one locking position close to the bearing surface (66a), and means for controlling the movement of the hooking member (16), including a control mechanism (14) operated by the movement of a rod (18). The outer surface of the centering pin (21) has at least one conical section (23d) that diverges towards the main body (12), which forms an backlash-free engagement zone for the hole (H). The centering pin (21) is slidable with respect to the body (12) and is biased by elastic thrust means (62) tending to move it away from the body (12) when the hole (H) is positioned at said backlash-free engagement zone.