Polygonal Ribs for Positioning Accuracy and Material Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engaging structures that use solid columnar pins for positioning require a large amount of material and do not efficiently distribute loads, leading to suboptimal material usage and positioning accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A polygonal-shaped protruding portion with missing sides, featuring ribs that contact the inner surface of a receiving portion, allowing for efficient load distribution and reduced material usage while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If solid columnar pins are used for positioning, then the positioning shapes can support the load equally in all directions, but the positioning shape portions require a large amount of material
Solution Approach 1:
The solid columnar pin is segmented into multiple ribs extending from the base in different directions. These ribs are arranged radially around the central axis, with each rib providing load support in its specific direction. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain strength while using less material, as only the necessary rib sections are present rather than a complete solid column.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning shape has different structural properties in different directions - ribs are present only in specific radial directions where load support is needed, while other directions have minimal material. This local quality variation optimizes material usage by concentrating material only where structurally necessary, rather than uniformly distributing material throughout the entire pin volume.
2Strength
If solid columnar pins are used for positioning, then the positioning shapes can support the load equally in all directions, but the positioning accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning shape is divided into discrete ribs with defined tip positions. The tip portions of these ribs make contact with the receiving portion at specific locations, providing precise positioning. The segmented structure allows for better control of tip positions and reduces cumulative manufacturing errors that would occur in a solid columnar structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is transitioned from a three-dimensional solid column to a more dimensional structure where the tip portions of ribs make point or line contact with the receiving portion. This dimensional reduction at the contact points improves positioning accuracy by minimizing the contact area and reducing the influence of manufacturing tolerances.
3Quantity of substance
If a polygonal shape with missing sides is used, then material usage is reduced, but the load support capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The polygonal shape with missing sides is segmented into individual ribs that extend from the base. Each rib is positioned to support load in its specific direction, and the ribs are arranged radially to provide comprehensive load support. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain strength while using less material, as only the necessary rib sections are present rather than complete polygonal sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning shape employs an asymmetric polygonal configuration with missing sides, where ribs are strategically positioned rather than uniformly distributed. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes material placement by concentrating ribs in directions where load support is most critical, while leaving other directions with minimal or no ribs, thereby reducing overall material usage while maintaining necessary strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A part engaging structure having sufficient intensity while reducing the use amount of material, and having high positioning accuracy is provided. An engaging structure allows a protruding portion formed at a first part to be received by a receiving portion formed at a second part and engages the first part with the second part. The protruding portion is formed of a structure body having a plurality of ribs combined in a polygonal shape lacking part of sides, and at least two of corner portions of the polygon of the structure body contact an inner surface of the receiving portion.