Modular Joint With Staggered Positioning Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular construction joints for assembling frames, such as those used in robot grippers for motor vehicle bodywork, face challenges in accurately positioning non-orthogonal elements, leading to imprecision and increased labor due to manual adjustment and specialized machining requirements.

Innovation Solution

A joint system featuring an interface element with angularly staggered positioning structures that allow for variable relative angular positioning between elements, decoupling the need for specific machining of the elements themselves and enabling flexible alignment without increasing structural strength or production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual positioning of structural elements is used to assemble frames, then flexibility in assembling various geometries is achieved, but positioning precision deteriorates leading to non-negligible errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in assembling various geometriesVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an interface element as an intermediary component between structural elements. This interface element includes positioning structures with angular staggering that mediate the connection, enabling precise angular positioning without manual adjustment. The positioning structures act as a mediator that translates the desired angular relationship into a mechanically enforced configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface element is pre-configured with positioning structures that have predetermined angular staggering. This preliminary action of pre-establishing the angular relationship in the interface element eliminates the need for manual positioning during assembly, thereby ensuring precision while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual rotation of collars is performed to achieve desired angular staggering, then non-orthogonal element orientations are achieved, but assembly precision deteriorates due to manual operation imprecision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-orthogonal element orientationsVSAvoidassembly precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The interface element serves as a mediator that replaces the manual rotation operation. The positioning structures within the interface element mechanically enforce the desired angular staggering, eliminating imprecision associated with manual rotation while preserving the ability to achieve various orientations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning structures in the interface element enable the joint to self-align and self-position at the correct angular orientation during assembly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual rotation and ensures precise angular positioning automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If periodic alignment checks are implemented to maintain structure geometry, then positioning errors are detected and corrected, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure geometry accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The interface element incorporates positioning structures with predetermined angular staggering that pre-establish the correct geometric relationships during assembly. This preliminary action ensures geometry accuracy is built-in from the start, eliminating the need for periodic alignment checks and reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If specialized machining is performed on elements to achieve specific geometries, then precise angular positions are achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular position precisionVSAvoidmachining complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface element acts as a mediator that transfers the complexity of achieving precise angular positions from the structural elements themselves to a dedicated component. The positioning structures in the interface element provide the necessary precision without requiring specialized machining of the main structural elements, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10322512B2Joint for constructions

Publication Date: 2019.06.18 CENTRO RICERCHE FIAT SCPA

AI summary

A joint for constructions includes a first element having a first coupling interface, a second element having a second coupling interface, and an interface element configured for coupling to the first coupling interface and the second coupling interface to impose a desired relative angular position on the first element and the second element of the joint. The interface element includes a first positioning structure configured for engaging with the first coupling interface, and includes a second positioning structure configured for engaging with the second coupling interface. The first positioning structure and the second positioning structure of the interface element are angularly staggered with respect to one another.