Hinge Clevis Insertion Station Without Assembly Reorientation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated hinge assembly lines face inefficiencies in inserting clevises, requiring multiple operations and rotations, and are not easily adaptable to different component sizes and types, with maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A station and method for inserting components that aligns the clevis insertion along a horizontal direction using a vibrating channel, manipulator, insertion actuator, positioning unit, centring unit, and guide rod, allowing for efficient and adaptable assembly without the need for assembly reorientation, with a focus on reducing operations and enhancing maintainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If clevises are inserted vertically from top downwards, then the insertion operation can be completed, but the assembly must be rotated by 180° between insertions, increasing operation time and reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical insertion direction and implements horizontal insertion instead. The support seat (16) and manipulator (20) are configured to deposit and insert the clevis (2) horizontally into the hinge assembly (3), eliminating the need for 180° rotations between opposing clevis insertions and thereby reducing operation time and increasing productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If automated hinge assembly lines use fixed insertion mechanisms, then the assembly process can be automated, but the system is not easily adaptable to different component sizes and types, reducing versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic and adjustable insertion mechanisms. The manipulator (20) and insertion actuator (30) can be reconfigured for different component types and sizes, and the support seat (16) can be adjusted to accommodate various clevis dimensions, enabling the system to adapt to different assembly requirements without requiring complete system replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion station is designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple component types. The manipulator (20) and actuator system (30) can perform insertion operations for different clevis configurations (single or opposing), and the positioning unit (40) with abutment means (42) can be adjusted to accommodate various assembly geometries, making the system multi-functional and highly adaptable
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 streamlines the assembly process by enabling horizontal clevis insertion, reducing operations, and allowing for easy configuration and maintenance, while eliminating the need for assembly reorientation and pneumatic firing systems, resulting in energy savings and improved adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrating channel (14) suitable to order loose components coming from a component feed hopper (8) along a row (2)
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion station of a component (2), for example a clevis, in a component seat (12) formed in an assembly (3) to be assembled, for example a hinge assembly for doors, includes a component ordering device (14) to order the loose components coming from a component feed hopper. A component support seat (16) receives the component and is configured in such a way as to guide the component in the horizontal insertion direction. A manipulator (20) picks a component (2) from the component ordering device (14) and deposit the component in the component support seat (16). An insertion actuator (30) has a pusher member (32) operable to push the component (2) in the component seat (12), and a positioning unit (40), including an abutment (42) operable to block the assembly (3) in a component insertion position.