Torsion-Free Elastic Ring Mounting Using Multi-Finger Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting elastic rings on cylindrical bodies, such as sealing rings, often require complex mechanical and control engineering efforts, limited insertion depth, and risk damage to the rings due to twisting and torsion, making them unsuitable for efficient assembly, especially when integrated into robot arms.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mounting unit with at least three movable fingers that stretch and expand the elastic ring in a torsion-free manner, allowing it to be securely positioned on a cylindrical body without intermediate steps, reducing mechanical effort and stress on the ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a tapered joining sleeve is used to mount the elastic ring, then the ring can be stretched and mounted onto the component, but the ring may twist or roll during the process, causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device divides the ring expansion function into multiple independent fingers (at least three) that can move individually or in coordinated groups. Each finger can be actuated separately to expand the ring in a controlled manner, preventing the twisting and rolling that occurs with tapered sleeves by distributing the expansion force uniformly around the ring circumference.
Solution Approach 2:
The fingers are designed to be movable relative to one another, allowing dynamic adjustment of the expansion pattern. The fingers can move along circular paths and adjust their positions to accommodate rings of different sizes and maintain proper orientation throughout the mounting process, ensuring the ring remains torsion-free.
2Productivity
If a multi-finger gripper is used to expand the ring, then the ring can be stretched and applied to the component, but the system requires complex mechanics and control technology, making it heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is designed with fingers that can be actuated in different patterns (individually or in groups) to handle various ring sizes and mounting requirements. The same basic structure serves multiple functions: expanding the ring, positioning it, and releasing it, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each operation and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fingers are arranged and actuated to create a uniform expansion field around the ring, ensuring equal distribution of forces. This equipotential approach to force distribution simplifies the control requirements compared to asymmetric or sequentially actuated systems, as the ring experiences balanced expansion forces throughout the process.
3Manufacturing precision
If the fingers are retracted individually or in groups against the wiper to prevent ring relaxation, then the ring position can be controlled, but high frictional forces can cause twisting and damage to the ring
Solution Approach 1:
The fingers are designed to be retractable in a controlled sequence or pattern, allowing periodic contact with the ring during the mounting process. This periodic action enables the fingers to maintain control of the ring position while minimizing continuous friction, as the fingers can be retracted and advanced in a rhythm that prevents excessive heat buildup and twisting.
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 secure, torsion-free assembly of elastic rings at various positions along the cylindrical body, reducing the risk of damage and complexity, facilitating integration with robot arms and improving assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
To mount an elastic ring, in particular a sealing ring, on the outside of a body (also called a component), in particular a circular cylindrical body, it is necessary to widen the elastic ring during the assembly process
Implementation Method 2
Moving the fingers out of the cross-section, wherein the ring slides off the fingers and rests completely on the component
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for mounting an elastic ring (20), e.g. a sealing ring, onto a body using a mounting unit (10) is presented, with at least three mutually movable fingers (30-35).The method comprises holding and tensioning the ring (20) on the outside of the fingers (30-35) which extend into a cross-section framed by the ring (20), moving at least one finger (30, 31) along a circle or several fingers (30, 31) along a common circle (K) or several concentric circles such that the elastic ring (20) is stretched and its cross-section is increased, moving the ring (20) and the component relative to each other so that the component projects into the cross-section and the ring (20) extends around the component, moving one or more fingers (30-35) relative to each other so that the ring (20) contacts the component section by section between adjacent fingers (30-35), and moving the fingers (30-35) out of the ring. Furthermore, an assembly unit for carrying out the method and a ring assembly device with such an assembly unit are specified.