Elastic Gripping Assembly for Connector Alignment Shifts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing assembly technologies face challenges in accurately and efficiently assembling members with positional shifts, particularly in ensuring precise alignment and secure gripping of connectors.

Innovation Solution

An assembly apparatus comprising a gripping mechanism with a driving section, first and second gripping sections, and elastic members that adjust intervals and apply force to correct positional shifts, allowing for precise contact and assembly of connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional gripping mechanisms are used without elastic members, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to correct positional shifts and ensure precise alignment is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidgripping mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member acts as an intermediary between the gripping section and the connector, providing a compliant interface that absorbs positional deviations and enables precise alignment through elastic deformation rather than rigid contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member changes its physical state (deformation) in response to applied force, allowing the gripping mechanism to adapt to positional shifts and maintain precise alignment through dynamic parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If rigid gripping sections are used, then the gripping force is stronger, but the ability to accommodate positional shifts is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripping reliabilityVSAvoidpositional adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping mechanism transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the elastic member can deform and recover, enabling the system to adapt to varying positional conditions while maintaining reliable gripping

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If manual alignment methods are used, then the equipment is simpler, but the assembly precision and efficiency are lower

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidassembly equipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member enables the gripping mechanism to automatically correct positional shifts through its inherent elastic properties, eliminating the need for complex external alignment devices or manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables accurate and efficient assembly of connectors by correcting positional shifts and ensuring secure gripping, reducing assembly costs and improving precision.

Implementation Method 1

The first gripping section and the second gripping section grip the second member through the first elastic member urging the first contact member and the second elastic member urging the second contact member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11370112B2Assembly apparatus and structure fabricating method
Publication Date: 2022.06.28 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC
  • US11370112B2 patent drawing
  • US11370112B2 patent drawing
  • US11370112B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An assembly apparatus is for assembling a first member and a second member. The assembly apparatus includes a first gripping section, a second gripping section, and a driving section. The first gripping section includes a contact member and an elastic member. The second gripping section includes a contact member and an elastic member. The driving section drives the first and second gripping sections. The driving section drives the first and second gripping sections such that the contact member of the first gripping section and the contact member of the second gripping section make contact with the second member. The first and second gripping sections grip the second member through the two elastic members urging the respective contact members. The driving section drives the first and second gripping sections such that the first member and the second member are assembled.