Guide Block Assembly for Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bracket Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing slidable coupling of backer members with fiber reinforced polymer brackets is inefficient, necessitating an improved assembly method to enhance the coupling process.
Innovation Solution
A coupling guide block with a bracket receiving bore and a backer receiving bore, along with support and guide blocks, is used to align and slidably attach backer members to the bracket, ensuring precise engagement and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional slidable coupling method is used, then assembly can be performed with simple tools, but assembly precision and coupling efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling guide block serves as an intermediary device that facilitates precise alignment between the bracket and backer member during assembly. It includes a bracket receiving bore with entry region and a backer receiving bore that meets it at a mating region, providing guided pathways for both components to achieve accurate coupling without requiring complex external alignment tools
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling guide block is prepared in advance with pre-formed receiving bores and mating regions designed to accommodate specific bracket and backer member geometries. This preliminary preparation of the guide block enables subsequent assembly operations to proceed with high precision without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms
2Productivity
If manual alignment method is used, then device complexity is low, but assembly time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling guide block acts as a mediator that simultaneously guides both the bracket and backer member into proper alignment, eliminating the need for separate manual alignment operations. The interconnected receiving bores and mating region provide automated guidance that reduces assembly time while maintaining reasonable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling guide block combines multiple alignment and guidance functions into a single integrated component. It merges the bracket receiving function, backer receiving function, and alignment guidance function into one unified device, improving assembly efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is enforced, then coupling accuracy improves, but assembly operation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling guide block serves as an intermediary that performs the complex alignment task automatically once the components are inserted into its receiving bores. The pre-designed mating region and bore geometries ensure accurate coupling without requiring the operator to perform difficult manual alignment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling guide block's receiving bores and mating region are designed to self-align the bracket and backer member through their own geometries. The components guide themselves into proper position within the guide block's structured pathways, reducing the skill and effort required by the assembler while maintaining high coupling accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A system for assembling a bracket assembly comprising a base, a coupling guide block, at least one bracket support block and at least one backer guide block. The coupling guide block is coupled to the base and includes a bracket receiving bore on one side and at least one backer receiving bore on an opposite side. The at least one bracket support bracket is coupled to the base and spaced apart from a first side of the coupling guide block. The at least one backer guide block is coupled to the base and spaced apart from a second side of the coupling guide block. Methods are likewise disclosed.