Locating Tool with Spherical Flange for Non-Parallel Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locating tools struggle with positioning parts whose internal and external faces are not parallel, as they obstruct the bore and can only provide support for one type of corner, making it difficult to achieve precise orientation and uniform support.
Innovation Solution
A locating tool with a bearing surface, oblong flange, and clamping rod featuring a convex head allows for angular orientation of the flange, enabling precise alignment and even support on non-parallel surfaces by using a spherical or convex base to cooperate with the flange, facilitating its insertion and secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional centering device with a flange is used to locate a part, then the part can be positioned on a machining jig, but the internal face of the part cannot be properly supported when it is not parallel to the external face
Solution Approach 1:
The head of the rod is given a convex (spherical) base that cooperates with a concave bearing surface on the flange. This curved geometry allows the flange to be angularly oriented relative to the rod, enabling the flange to adapt to non-parallel internal and external faces of the part while maintaining uniform support and precise positioning.
2Strength
If the bore is completely obstructed by the centering device, then the part can be securely clamped, but the orientation of the flange cannot be controlled during tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The convex base of the rod head working with the concave bearing surface on the flange creates a spherical joint mechanism. This allows the flange to be freely oriented angularly relative to the rod during insertion and tightening, while the curved surfaces guide and control the orientation process, making it easy to align the flange with the internal face of the part even when the bore is obstructed.
3Reliability
If a flange with an oblique support face is provided to match non-parallel surfaces, then support can be achieved, but the flange can only be used for one type of corner
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical joint formed by the convex rod head base and concave flange bearing surface replaces the fixed oblique support face with an angularly adjustable connection. This allows the same flange to be oriented at different angles to match various non-parallel surface configurations, making it versatile for different corner types while maintaining adequate support.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange connection is made dynamic through the spherical joint, allowing angular adjustment during assembly. This transforms a static, single-purpose flange into a dynamic, multi-purpose component that can adapt to different orientation requirements while maintaining secure support.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A locating tool intended to be installed in a bore of a part which traverses a wall of same delimited between an outer face and an inner face, comprising a locating member (2) extended by a bearing (3) which extends protruding from said member for the insertion fitting of same into the bore of the part, until contact with a shoulder (4) which forms the end of the bearing against the outer face of the part, a flange (6) intended to bear against the inner face of the part, a tightening rod (8) provided with a head (9) that bears against the flange, and passing through the flange and the centring member to receive a tightening nut (12) for tightening against a bottom of the locating member. According to the invention, the head of the rod comprises a convex base which engages with a bearing surface on the flange so as to allow an angular orientation of the flange.