Dovetail Drive Train Connector Assembly for Robotic Shaft Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional methods for attaching a drive shaft to an input shaft in automotive manufacturing are time-consuming and difficult to automate, requiring manual dexterity and alignment, which hinders efficient robotic integration.
Innovation Solution
A drive train connector assembly featuring a dovetail-shaped attachment protrusion and recessed area, allowing for simplified coupling and locking of rotary power providing and receiving members, enabling easier assembly and automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional mechanical fasteners are used to attach drive shaft to input shaft, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the assembly process is time-consuming and difficult to automate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into a dovetail-shaped projection on the drive shaft and a corresponding recessed area on the input shaft, replacing the need for multiple fasteners with a single integrated coupling structure that can be assembled in one motion
Solution Approach 2:
The dovetail-shaped geometry provides self-alignment and self-locking characteristics, where the tapered surfaces guide the components into proper alignment and the interlocking shape maintains the connection without additional fastening elements
2Ease of operation
If manual alignment and fastening methods are used, then precise alignment can be achieved, but the process requires manual dexterity and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The dovetail-shaped projection and recessed area utilize asymmetric geometry with tapered surfaces that provide directional guidance during assembly, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments and enabling straightforward insertion in a single direction
Data Source
AI summary
A drive train connector assembly includes a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure. The first connecting structure has an attachment protrusion with first and second edges. The first edge extends in a first direction. The second edge extends in a second direction. Both directions are perpendicular to the rotational axis. The first and second directions define a first acute angle therebetween. The second connecting structure defines recessed area. The attachment protrusion fits into the recessed area. The recessed area defines third and fourth edges. The third edge extends in a third direction and the fourth edge extends in a fourth direction. The third direction and the fourth direction define a second acute angle. With the attachment protrusion installed within the recessed area the first and third edges are parallel to one another and the second and fourth edges are parallel to one another.