Integrated Fixing Member for Rotation Sensor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotation sensor fixing structures require multiple components and manual assembly, leading to increased costs, reduced workability, and difficulty in automation, as they necessitate screws and projections for attachment.
Innovation Solution
A fixing structure comprising a housing with a first hole, an input member with a second hole, and a torsion spring, where the fixing member is inserted to overlap the holes, press-fitting into the housing and inserting into the input member's hole, allowing for fixation at a predetermined rotational position using a single component, simplifying assembly and enabling automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw and fixing member are used to attach the input member to the housing, then the attachment is secure, but the number of components increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the screw and fixing member into a single integrated fixing member that directly engages with the housing. The fixing member includes an engagement portion that fits into a groove on the housing and a fixing portion that secures the input member, eliminating the need for separate screws while maintaining secure attachment.
2Reliability
If a projection engaging with the lever is provided on the fixing member, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the projection engagement mechanism into the overall fixing member structure, where the engagement portion fits into a groove and the fixing portion secures the input member in one integrated component, reducing assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member is designed with pre-formed engagement features (grooves and projections) that align automatically during assembly, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning and reducing assembly time while maintaining secure connection.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple components and manual assembly steps are used, then precise positioning is achieved, but automation becomes difficult and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple assembly steps into a single fixing member installation process. The integrated design with engagement portions and fixing portions allows for one-step attachment that can be easily automated, while the pre-formed geometric features ensure precise positioning without manual intervention.
4Reliability
If screws and multiple fixing components are used, then the attachment is reliable, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (screw, fixing member, projection) into a single integrated fixing member, reducing part count and assembly complexity. This integration lowers manufacturing costs through reduced material usage, simplified production processes, and decreased assembly operations while maintaining reliable attachment through the engineered engagement and fixing features.
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
The solution reduces assembly complexity, facilitates automation, and lowers manufacturing costs by using a single fixing member to secure the input member at a predetermined position, enhancing workability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring returning, to a predetermined reference position, a position of the input member relative to the housing in a rotational direction
Implementation Method 2
The fixing member includes a first insertion portion including a part press-fitted into and fixed to the first hole, and includes a second insertion portion including a part inserted into the second hole
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing structure includes a housing including a first hole, an input member including a second hole, and rotating relative to the housing, depending on input of rotational force, a torsion spring being biased so as to return, to a predetermined reference position, a position of the input member relative to the housing, and a fixing member inserted into the first hole and the second hole in a state where the input member is rotated against biasing force of the torsion spring from the reference position to a predetermined rotational position. The fixing member includes a first insertion portion including a part press-fitted into and fixed to the first hole, and a second insertion portion including a part inserted into the second hole, and fixes the input member at the predetermined rotational position.