Eccentric Tuning Pin Assembly for Structural Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly methods using locating pins struggle to achieve precise alignment of structural components due to tolerances, leading to variations in gap and flushness that do not meet aesthetic requirements, particularly in vehicle structural components.
Innovation Solution
An eccentric tuning pin assembly featuring a locating pin with a concentric shaft and a telescopically mounted eccentric cap that includes rotation resistance features, allowing for manual fine-tuning and precise alignment of structural components before permanent securing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional locating pins are used to align structural components, then the assembly process is simple, but the alignment precision and gap flushness requirements cannot be met due to tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The locating pin incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the pin position to be dynamically modified during assembly. The pin can be moved along the locating pin axis and rotated to achieve precise alignment, transforming a static locating element into a dynamic adjustment tool that compensates for tolerance variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of the locating pin by introducing adjustability in position and orientation. The pin can be positioned at different locations along its axis and rotated to different angles, allowing the alignment parameters to be optimized to meet gap and flushness requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustable mechanisms are added to improve alignment precision, then the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting mechanism is designed to be self-contained and intuitive, allowing assembly workers to make adjustments without requiring complex tools or specialized skills. The mechanism serves itself by providing visual or tactile feedback that guides the adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The locating pin is pre-configured with adjustment capabilities built into its structure, so that when installation begins, the necessary adjustment mechanisms are already in place and ready for use, eliminating the need for additional preliminary setup or complex tooling.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple adjustment features are incorporated into the locating pin, then the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locating pin is divided into functional segments or modules, each responsible for a specific adjustment capability. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of individual components that can be assembled into the complete adjustable locating pin, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The locating pin is designed with multi-functionality, where a single component or mechanism provides multiple adjustment capabilities (positioning, rotation, etc.). This universal design reduces the total number of separate parts needed and simplifies manufacturing compared to using multiple separate locating devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A tuning pin assembly for mounting a first structural component to a second structural component. A locating pin is fixed to the first component and has a shaft with an outer surface that is concentric about a pin axis. An eccentric cap has a radially inner pin engagement surface that is mounted on the outer surface and is concentric about the pin axis, a radially outer alignment surface that is eccentric about the pin axis and slides into an alignment hole in the second component to align the second component relative to the first component. A first rotation resistance feature is located on at least one of the outer surface of the locating pin and the pin engagement surface of the eccentric cap engaging between the outer surface and the pin engagement surface to resist torque applied to the eccentric cap to rotate the cap.