Component Holder Coupling for Faster Precision Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
In manufacturing processes where two components need to be accurately aligned and connected, the use of an actuator for alignment and securing limits its availability for subsequent pairs, leading to increased production time and costs, especially when alignment and connection processes are time-consuming, such as in high-precision products like micro-cameras.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising multiple assemblies with holders, coupling means, and an actuator for relative movement, where the actuator is used only for initial alignment and coupling means secure the holders in position, allowing for simultaneous processing of multiple components and reducing production time without multiplying expensive actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the actuator is used for both alignment and securing during mutual connection, then the alignment precision is maintained, but the production time per product increases and the actuator becomes unavailable for subsequent pairs
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple assemblies (first assembly and second assembly), each with its own actuator. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple component pairs simultaneously, so while one actuator is performing alignment and securing, another actuator is already preparing the next pair, thereby reducing overall production time while maintaining alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means are designed to preliminarily hold the components in the desired relative position before the actuator performs final securing. This preliminary action reduces the time the actuator needs to be engaged, as the coupling means have already established the basic alignment, allowing the actuator to focus only on final precision securing
2Productivity
If the production step of mutual alignment and connection is multiplied to reduce production time, then the production time per product decreases, but the costs of purchasing, setting up, using and maintaining the production line increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each assembly is designed as a universal unit that can handle multiple operations (alignment, securing, connection) with a single actuator. The coupling means serve multiple functions by initially positioning components and then maintaining position during connection. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve parallel processing capabilities without needing separate specialized actuators for each function, thereby reducing overall system cost while improving productivity
3Device complexity
If the actuator is used for both alignment and securing, then the device structure remains simple, but the production line takes up more space when multiplied
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple assemblies are arranged in a spatial configuration that utilizes vertical or lateral dimensions rather than only linear extension. The coupling means enable compact arrangement by allowing assemblies to be positioned closely together while maintaining independent operation, thus reducing the overall footprint of the production line while maintaining the parallel processing capability
Data Source
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AI summary
Device for manufacturing products, each product comprising a first component and a second component mutually connected in a determined desired relative position, characterized in that the device comprises: a plurality of assemblies, each assembly comprising: a first holder for holding a first component; a second holder for holding a second component; and coupling means for mutually coupling the first holder and the second holder such that the first holder and the second holder can move relative to each other within a determined range to a relative position in which a first component held by the first holder and a second component held by the second holder are in the determined desired relative position and the first holder and the second holder can then be temporarily secured and fixed in the relative position; a first actuator for moving the first holder and the second holder relative to each other within the determined range to the relative position; and connecting means for mutually connecting the first component and the second component in the determined desired relative position. Also a method for manufacturing such products. The first actuator is thus used only for the relative movement of the two holders to the relative position. The coupling means secure and fix the two holders in the relative position during the mutual connecting of the two components. The production time per product can thus be reduced, and the choice of connecting technique can also be expanded.