Ergonomic Processing Aid for Precision Manual Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

In precision engineering and microtechnology, manual assembly and machining processes face challenges in maintaining accuracy and reliability due to physical limitations such as tremors and fluctuations in concentration, which affect the quality and speed of the processing activities.

Innovation Solution

A processing aid with a base plate, hand rest, and cantilever that supports the operator's hand and tool, featuring adjustable and customizable design elements like sliding surfaces, haptic feedback, and signal transmitters for improved control and precision, allowing for adaptation to individual users and tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual processing is performed without support devices, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to physical limitations like tremors and concentration fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidprocessing aid structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a processing aid as an intermediary device between the operator and the tool/workpiece. This mediator includes a hand rest that supports the operator's hand and a cantilever that supports the tool or component, creating a stable reference framework that eliminates the need for complex active control systems while maintaining high processing accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The processing aid is designed to be passively supportive rather than actively controlling. The hand rest and cantilever provide mechanical support and positioning that allows the operator to self-correct and maintain precision without external intervention or complex feedback systems, reducing device complexity while improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed hand rest design is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to individual users and different tools deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization to user and toolVSAvoidadjustable components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hand rest is designed with adjustable positioning capabilities along the cantilever, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned to accommodate different hand sizes, positions, and tool configurations. This dynamic adjustability provides versatility without requiring a completely different device for each user or application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The processing aid is divided into separable components including the hand rest, cantilever, and base plate that can be independently adjusted and positioned. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for different users and tools while maintaining overall system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3216568B1Processing aid, processing system and method of manufacturing a processing aid

Publication Date: 2019.06.12 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV

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AI summary

The invention relates to a machining aid with which machining operations can be carried out with high precision. The machining aid comprises a base plate (8), a hand rest (1), and a boom (10). A user of the machining aid can place their hand in the hand rest (1) and guide a tool (27) or a component (28) to be assembled along the boom.