Inspection Jig Clamping and Conveyor Transfer for Safer Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inspection apparatuses require significant effort to replace jigs, pose challenges in accurately positioning and clamping objects, and present safety hazards due to manual operation and mechanical movements.
Innovation Solution
A jig system with dampers and clamping drivers that allows for easy introduction and withdrawal from the inspection apparatus, enabling efficient clamping and unclamping of objects, and a transfer system that uses a conveyor belt to prevent accidents by allowing the jig to slide if contacted accidentally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a jig is configured to move while being attached to a transfer system (e.g., ball screw or belt), then the inspection apparatus can perform automated inspection, but considerable effort is required to separate the jig from the inspection apparatus when replacing the jig
Solution Approach 1:
The jig is divided into a main body and separate moving parts (dampers) that can be independently manipulated. The dampers are detachably connected to the jig body, allowing the moving parts to be separated from the inspection apparatus during replacement while keeping the main jig body intact for potential reuse or quick reattachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The jig incorporates movable dampers that can dynamically adjust their position and connection state. The dampers are designed to move along guides and can be easily detached or reattached to the jig body, enabling quick replacement without requiring complete disassembly of the entire jig structure from the transfer system.
2Device complexity
If manual operation is used for placing the object at a correct position and clamping the object, then the apparatus structure can be simple, but a lot of effort is required for the operation
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is equipped with an elastic member that automatically provides clamping force when the damper is positioned against the object. The elastic member self-generates the necessary clamping pressure without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms, reducing both operational effort and overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual clamping operation is replaced by an elastic member that automatically generates and applies clamping force. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for operators to manually apply force while keeping the overall structure simple and avoiding complex actuation systems.
3Measurement precision
If a jig is transferred by being mounted on a ball screw driven by a servomotor, then precise positioning can be achieved, but an operator may be fatally injured if the operator accidentally bumps his or her hand against the jig during the movement
Solution Approach 1:
A conveyor belt is introduced as an intermediary between the jig and the ball screw mechanism. The conveyor belt provides a cushioning interface that allows the jig to move smoothly while reducing the risk of direct contact between the operator's hand and the moving jig. The belt acts as a mediator that absorbs impact and prevents direct transmission of harmful forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt provides beforehand cushioning by creating a soft interface between the moving jig and the support structure. This cushioning layer is in place before any potential accidental contact can occur, preventing direct impact and reducing the severity of any potential injury to operators.
4Ease of operation
If the pressing portion presses the damper in the unclamping direction, then the damper can be moved to unclamp the object, but the elastic member must be elastically deformed requiring space and force
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping and unclamping operations are performed as periodic, discrete actions. The pressing portion applies force only when unclamping is required, allowing the elastic member to deform and recover in controlled cycles. This periodic action reduces the average force requirement compared to continuous engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper and elastic member are designed to dynamically respond to the pressing portion's force. The elastic member's deformation is optimized to provide sufficient unclamping force while minimizing the required input force from the pressing portion, allowing easy operation with reduced force requirements.
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
Facilitates efficient and accurate object inspection by simplifying the loading and clamping process, reducing operator effort, and enhancing safety through automated movement and sliding prevention during transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a jig configured to allow an inspection object to be seated thereon; and an inspection apparatus configured to inspect the inspection object, the jig capable of being introduced into and withdrawn from the inspection apparatus. The jig includes at least one damper configured to be capable of moving in a clamping direction in which the inspection object is clamped to the jig and to be capable of moving in an unclamping direction opposite to the clamping direction. The inspection apparatus includes a mover configured to move the jig and at least one clamping driver configured to contact and press the damper.
Implementation Method 2
a transfer system that uses a conveyor belt to prevent accidents by allowing the jig to slide if contacted accidentally
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to inspect an inspection object seated on a jig, the jig capable of being introduced into and withdrawn from the inspection apparatus. The inspection apparatus includes: a mover configured to move the jig; and a clamping driver configured to contact and press the jig, the clamping driver including a pressing portion configured to be movable in a clamping direction and an unclamping direction opposite to the clamping direction.