Flexible Ring Support Mechanism for Misaligned O-Ring Groove Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible ring fitting devices are limited in their ability to accommodate workpieces with varying diameters and require precise axial alignment to uniformly fit O-rings into grooves, restricting their applicability to specific diameters and alignment configurations.
Innovation Solution
A flexible ring fitting device with a movable workpiece disposition mechanism and adjustable ring support members featuring notches that allow for flexible separation to accommodate different diameters, along with elastic bodies to stabilize and return the components, ensuring the O-ring can be fitted into the groove regardless of initial alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rod-shaped member rotates along the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece, then the O-ring can be fitted into the groove, but the device can only accommodate workpieces with one predetermined diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a movable workpiece disposition mechanism that can shift in the axial direction of the workpiece, and ring support members that can separate from each other. This dynamic configuration allows the device to adapt to workpieces of different diameters by adjusting the position of the workpiece disposition mechanism and the separation distance between ring support members, eliminating the limitation of fixed-diameter accommodation
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece disposition mechanism serves multiple functions: it holds the workpiece, positions it axially, and allows it to move in the axial direction. This multi-functional design enables a single device structure to accommodate various workpiece diameters without requiring multiple specialized components for each diameter size
2Manufacturing precision
If the axial center of the rotary shaft and the axial center of the workpiece must coincide, then the O-ring fitting is precise, but alignment is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece disposition mechanism is designed to be movable in the axial direction of the workpiece, allowing automatic adjustment of the workpiece position. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to accommodate slight misalignments between the workpiece center and the device center, maintaining fitting precision without requiring perfect initial alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The movable workpiece disposition mechanism automatically adjusts the workpiece position during operation. As the workpiece is fed into the device, the mechanism self-adjusts to center the workpiece properly, eliminating the need for manual precision alignment operations by the operator
3Manufacturing precision
If the workpiece is moved along a guide groove, then the O-ring reaches the groove near the center, but uniform fitting is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The ring support members are designed to separate from each other in response to workpiece diameter variations. This separation allows the O-ring to be uniformly compressed and fitted into the groove regardless of the workpiece's initial position, achieving uniform fitting without requiring complex guide grooves to control the workpiece movement path
4Adaptability or versatility
If the rail width is fixed, then the device can fit O-rings into workpieces of one diameter, but it cannot respond to workpieces with various diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces the fixed-width rail with movable ring support members that can separate from each other. The separation distance between ring support members can be adjusted according to the workpiece diameter, providing operational flexibility to accommodate various diameters while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive adjustment mechanisms
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 the uniform fitting of O-rings into workpieces with various diameters and allows for stable fitting even with slight misalignment, improving the device's versatility and reliability in accommodating different workpiece sizes and positions.
Implementation Method 1
a second elastic body (such as a spring 423 to be described later) provided on a side opposite to the relative surface side of the ring support member and pressing the ring support member toward the initial position
Data Source
AI summary
In a flexible ring fitting device 1, a flexible ring disposition mechanism includes at least two ring support members 411 and 412 disposed relative to each other and movable so as to be separated from each other. Notches 4113 and 4123 recessed in a direction in which the two ring support members 411 and 412 are separated from each other are formed along surfaces 4114 and 4124 of the two relative ring support members 411 and 412 in the relative surfaces 4114 and 4124 of the two ring support members 411 and 412. A flexible ring R is fitted into an annular groove G of a workpiece W by a workpiece disposition mechanism moving in one direction along with the workpiece W.