Modular Fixture Pin Assembly With Remote Cable Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pin and block assemblies for dimensional inspection are inefficient due to high design and construction time, cost, and lack of adaptability, often requiring costly machining operations and not allowing remote activation.
Innovation Solution
A modular fixture pin assembly system with interchangeable components, including pins, adapters, retainers, springs, levers, and remote cable actuation, designed for versatility and cost-effectiveness through mass production techniques, enabling precise dimensional inspection and verification of target parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional pin and block assemblies are designed and constructed using traditional machining operations, then the pins can be made with precise dimensions and shapes for dimensional inspection, but the design and construction time and cost increase excessively due to individualized design and low quantity production
Solution Approach 1:
The pin assembly is divided into separate modular components: a block body, a pin component, and an actuation set. These segments can be independently manufactured using cost-effective processes and then assembled, eliminating the need for time-consuming individualized machining of complete assemblies while maintaining precise dimensional relationships through standardized interfaces and fit tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The block body is designed with universal features including multiple pin holes, cable access holes, and mounting holes that can accommodate various pin configurations and actuation methods. This universal design allows the same block body to serve multiple inspection applications, reducing design time and enabling mass production of standardized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pin assemblies are designed individually for each application, then the pins can be optimized for specific inspection requirements, but the construction cost increases due to costly machining operations applied to low quantity components
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the assembly into standardized blocks, pins, and actuation sets, each component can be manufactured in high volume using cost-effective processes such as injection molding or stamping. The modular architecture allows application-specific configurations to be achieved through selection and combination of standardized parts rather than custom machining of entire assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides adaptability through parameter variations in standardized components: different pin diameters, lengths, and materials; different block body dimensions and hole patterns; different actuation set configurations. These parameter changes allow optimization for specific applications while maintaining manufacturability through standardized production processes.
3Strength
If conventional pin assemblies are designed with larger sizes to accommodate all features, then the pins can be made robust and stable, but the fixture system design requires costly compromises in adjacent components due to space encroachment
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation components are nested within or integrated into the block body structure. The actuation set including springs, levers, and cables is contained within the block's internal volume, allowing the pin assembly to maintain a compact external footprint while providing robust actuation mechanisms internally. This nesting reduces space encroachment on adjacent fixture components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design moves actuation mechanisms from external attachments to internal integration within the block body. By utilizing the third dimension (internal volume) rather than increasing external dimensions, the pin assembly maintains compactness while providing robust actuation through internally arranged springs, levers, and cable routing.
4Ease of operation
If conventional pin assemblies require activation from immediate vicinity, then the actuation mechanism can be simple and direct, but the operation becomes inconvenient when remote activation is needed
Solution Approach 1:
A cable acts as an intermediary element transmitting actuation force from a remote location to the pin mechanism. The cable routing system including guide holes and attachment points enables force transmission over distance while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical connection. This intermediary allows convenient remote operation without requiring complex hydraulic or pneumatic systems.
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 system provides efficient, adaptable, and cost-effective solutions for dimensional inspection, reducing design and construction time, and enabling remote activation, while maintaining dimensional stability and minimizing space encroachment in fixture assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation set which includes a spring that applies a force to the pin
Implementation Method 2
an actuation set which includes a lever that provides for mechanical actuation of the pin assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture pin assembly for presenting a pin in a specified location and orientation to provide positioning or dimensional verification for a target part. The fixture pin assembly comprises a block, a pin, and an actuator set. The block includes a plurality of holes on a plurality of surfaces to attach directly or indirectly to mating bushings, pins, and actuation component sets. Pin and bushing act in combination to present a pin which is fixed or may allow motion in specified directions. Actuation component set provides motion control of the pin to either fix the location in longitudinal direction or allow longitudinal motion with or without springs to impart force either rearward or forward. A cable actuation system provides for remote release functionality of pin. Entire system design is configurable and interchangeable to provide cost-effective and space-effective implementation.