Multi-Fastener Assembly Aid for Precise Module Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual joining of assemblies in manufacturing, such as motor vehicle construction, is complex and time-consuming, leading to increased production costs and reduced volume due to the need for precise alignment and high cycle times when automation is not possible.
Innovation Solution
An assembly aid with receptacles for detachable fixing of components and a gear arrangement that allows rotational movement to be distributed to multiple driven elements, enabling simultaneous actuation of fastening means like screws, along with a holding and offset mechanism for precise positioning and easy detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual joining processes are used for assembling components, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but the joining duration increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an assembly aid as an intermediary device between manual operations and the components being assembled. This assembly aid includes a gear arrangement with drive elements and driven elements that mediate the fastening process, enabling simultaneous actuation of multiple fastening means while maintaining manual operability. The assembly aid thus bridges the gap between manual flexibility and automated efficiency.
2Device complexity
If multiple fastening means are actuated sequentially, then device complexity is minimized, but the joining duration increases and cycle time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening operations into a single coordinated action through the gear arrangement. The drive element is mechanically coupled to multiple driven elements via gears, allowing simultaneous actuation of multiple fastening means. This combining of operations reduces cycle time while the modular gear design keeps the added complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear arrangement introduces dynamic coordination to the fastening process. Rather than static sequential operations, the mechanical linkage through gears creates a dynamic system where rotation of the drive element automatically coordinates the actuation of multiple driven elements, adapting the fastening process to achieve simultaneous tightening without requiring complex control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment elements are provided on components for precise positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing alignment elements on the components being assembled, the patent inverts the approach by incorporating alignment and positioning functions into the assembly aid itself. The assembly aid includes structures that engage with the components to ensure precise positioning, thereby achieving manufacturing precision without modifying the component designs and adding complexity to the components.
4Manufacturing precision
If assembly aid structures are used for alignment and support, then positioning precision is improved, but the manufacturing effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly aid is designed as a multi-functional device that combines alignment, support, and fastening operations in a single tool. By integrating these functions, the need for separate alignment fixtures and support structures is eliminated, reducing overall manufacturing effort and cost while maintaining positioning precision. The universal design allows the same assembly aid to handle multiple assembly tasks.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly aid (1) for assembling at least one module (3), wherein the assembly aid (1) has at least one receptacle (2), for releasable, interlocking and/or frictionally engaged fixing of the at least one module (3) to be assembled to the assembly aid (1), and at least one transmission assembly (4), via which the rotary movement of a drive element (5) can be transferred to at least two output elements (6), and the output elements (6) each act on at least one tool (7) and/or a tool insert. In addition, the invention relates to a method for assembling at least one module (3) on a base module (16) by means of the assembly aid (1), wherein, in order to join each module (3) to be assembled on the base module (16) via fastening means (12), more than one of the fastening means (12) is actuated at the same time by means of the assembly aid (1).