Assembly tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling drain components to appliance walls are cumbersome and labor-intensive, with inconsistent force application leading to incorrect assembly due to the use of manual tools like slide hammers.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a jaw formed by moving arms and a pneumatic device, including an air cylinder, is used to actuate the jaw from a closed to an open position, allowing for precise engagement and fixation of drain components through an appliance wall aperture, ensuring accurate assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual tools like slide hammers are used to assemble drain components, then the assembly process can be completed, but the labor intensity is high and the force application is inconsistent leading to incorrect assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tools (slide hammers) with an automated pneumatic system. The pneumatic device uses compressed air to actuate the jaw through a piston-cylinder mechanism, eliminating manual striking operations and providing consistent, controlled force application for assembling drain components through aperture 108.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed to perform the assembly operation autonomously once positioned. The pneumatic device automatically actuates the jaw to apply force to the drain component, and the spring automatically returns the jaw to its initial position, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention and reducing labor intensity.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual tools are used to fix drain components to appliance walls, then assembly can be performed, but the force application is inconsistent leading to incorrect assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces imprecise manual mechanical tools with a controlled pneumatic system. The air cylinder provides consistent, repeatable force application through pneumatic pressure control, ensuring precise assembly of the drain component to the appliance wall aperture without the variability inherent in manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pneumatic intermediary system between the operator and the assembly operation. The pneumatic device acts as a mediator that translates pneumatic pressure into controlled mechanical force through the jaw, providing precise and consistent force application without requiring direct manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If a pneumatic device with movable arms is used to actuate the jaw, then controlled force application is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic device with a piston and cylinder to actuate the jaw. Compressed air drives the piston to move the jaw between engaged and disengaged positions, providing smooth, controlled force application. The pneumatic system offers easy operational control through air pressure regulation while managing device complexity through a well-established mechanical paradigm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic jaw mechanism with movable arms that can transition between closed and open positions. The jaw is designed to flexibly engage with the drain component, allowing adaptive force application. The spring provides automatic return to the initial position, creating a dynamic system that responds to operational needs while maintaining controlled complexity.
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 tool facilitates efficient and accurate assembly of drain components by providing controlled force application, reducing labor intensity and ensuring consistent fixation, thereby improving the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to bias the jaw towards the closed position
Implementation Method 2
a pneumatic device provided with a translatable member configured to actuate to: (a) move the pair of arms from the closed position to the open position
Data Source
AI summary
A tool configured to assemble a drain to a household appliance wall, the drain formed by an interior tube and an exterior tube, the tool including a jaw, a housing, a spring and a guide member. The jaw is formed by a pair of arms and configured to move between a closed position, in which the jaw is configured to be inserted through an aperture formed by the household appliance wall, and an open position in which the jaw is configured to engage the interior tube. The housing houses the jaw and the spring is fixed to the housing and configured to bias the jaw towards the closed position. And the pair of arms are configured to move from the closed position to the open position as the jaw is inserted through the aperture.