Assembly Fixture Pivot Pin Float Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automotive assembly, spatial variances due to manufacturing tolerances and clearances cause alignment issues, leading to difficulties in inserting and removing assembly fixtures without damaging the vehicle, as parts may not line up correctly with intended locations.
Innovation Solution
An assembly fixture with a pivot pin system, including a rigid member, a fixed positioning pin, a component restraint, and a pivot positioning pin coupled by a flexible mounting assembly, such as a Watts linkage or parallel linkage, allowing linear movement to accommodate spatial variances and prevent binding during alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed positioning pin is used in the assembly fixture, then the fixture provides stable positioning, but the fixture cannot accommodate spatial variances from manufacturing tolerances causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed positioning pin into a movable pivot pin that can oscillate or float within a predetermined range. This is achieved through mounting the pivot pin on a pivot assembly that allows rotational movement, enabling the pin to dynamically adjust its position to accommodate spatial variances from manufacturing tolerances while maintaining stable positioning functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the alignment holes have insufficient tolerance, then the fixture cannot be easily inserted or removed, but using a fixed pin system prevents damage to the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot pin assembly allows the positioning pin to move dynamically during insertion and removal operations. When the fixture is being installed or removed, the pivot pin can float or oscillate to accommodate misaligned holes, enabling easy insertion and removal without forcing the fixture, thereby preventing damage to the vehicle while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the pivot pin by allowing it to move within a predetermined range rather than remaining fixed. This parameter change enables the pin to adapt to varying hole positions due to manufacturing tolerances, facilitating easy fixture insertion and removal without causing vehicle damage.
3Measurement precision
If the pivot pin is allowed to move freely, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the fixture stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot pin assembly provides controlled movement rather than free movement. The pin is mounted on a pivot mechanism that allows oscillation within a predetermined angular or linear range, enabling alignment accuracy improvement while maintaining fixture stability through controlled, limited motion rather than unrestricted movement.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for an assembly fixture for positioning a component having a pivot pin including a rigid member, a fixed positioning pin affixed to a first point on the rigid member for insertion in a first locating hole in an assembly, a component restraint affixed to a second point on the rigid member for applying a force to the component for retaining the component in a fixed position and orientation with respect to the assembly fixture, and a pivot positioning pin coupled to a third point on the rigid member by a flexible mounting assembly, the flexible mounting assembly facilitating a linear movement of the pivot positioning pin along a linear path.