Coupling Hole Assembly Alignment Without Multiple Jigs

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing assembly methods for aircraft center wings require expensive jigs to achieve high assembly accuracy, making it difficult to reduce the number of jigs while maintaining precision.

Innovation Solution

An assembly apparatus comprising a retainer, a position measurement device, and a machining device that measures the difference between intended and actual machining positions to form coupling holes in shaped steel materials, allowing for accurate assembly without the need for multiple jigs by using reference positions and component error adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If expensive jigs are used to retain and position components during assembly, then assembly accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly accuracyVSAvoidnumber of jigs
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical positioning system (jigs) with a measurement and calculation system. The position measurement device measures actual positions, and the control device calculates correction amounts to compensate for deviations, eliminating the need for complex mechanical retention structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary that processes measurement data and generates correction instructions. This intermediary system translates measured position deviations into actionable correction amounts, enabling accurate assembly without direct mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple jigs are used to position components, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the positioning function from the mechanical jigs and transfers it to the measurement and control system. The position measurement device independently measures positions, and the control device independently calculates corrections, separating the positioning function from complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly system performs self-positioning through measurement and calculation. The position measurement device automatically detects deviations, and the control device automatically generates correction amounts, enabling the system to self-correct without external mechanical assistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional jig systems are used to ensure assembly precision, then assembly accuracy is maintained, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly precisionVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, durable jig systems with a more economical measurement and control system. The position measurement device and control device represent a lower-cost alternative to traditional heavy-duty mechanical jigs, achieving the same precision goal at reduced cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the expensive mechanical jig system with an electronic measurement and calculation system, reducing material costs and device complexity while maintaining or improving assembly precision through active measurement and correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3827924A1Assembly apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 SUBARU CORP
  • EP3827924A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3827924A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3827924A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An assembly apparatus (100) including a retainer (101), a position measurement device (105), and a machining device (103). The retainer (101) is configured to hold an assembly. The position measurement device (105) is configured to measure a difference between an intended machining position and an actual machining position of a first coupling hole (15c) in a first assembly component (15). The first coupling hole (15c) is capable of being coupled to the assembly. The machining device (103) is configured to form a second coupling hole (25c) capable of communicating with the first coupling hole (15c) in the assembly (13) based on a reference position set on the assembly and the difference.