Preloading Cartridge Tactile Sensing for Wire Thread Insert Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing installation tools for wire thread inserts face challenges in reliably determining the installation depth and orientation, leading to installation faults and wear, especially when dealing with materials like plastic and metal, due to insufficient torque and unclear installation direction.
Innovation Solution
A hollow-cylindrical preloading cartridge with a mandrel channel, radial positioning window, and tactile detection units, including a sensor pin, is used to guide the assembly mandrel and detect axial offsets, ensuring precise installation depth and direction through a motoric drive module and control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a micro switch is used to detect installation depth, then the installation depth can be determined, but the orientation and installation direction remain unclear leading to installation faults
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent tactile detection units positioned at different locations on the preloading cartridge. Each unit can detect contact with the component surface independently, providing both depth information and orientation data through the pattern of activations across the distributed sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from one-dimensional depth detection (single micro switch) to multi-dimensional detection by adding tactile units at different angular positions and depths. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions enables determination of both installation depth and orientation simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If manual installation is used, then the tool is simple to operate, but it operates too slowly and lacks necessary torque
Solution Approach 1:
The installation tool is designed with a hybrid operational mode that allows dynamic transition between manual and automated operation. The motor drive module can be engaged or disengaged based on operational requirements, enabling the system to adapt its degree of automation dynamically rather than being fixed in one mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the operational parameter from manual to automated mode based on the specific installation task. The motor drive module provides the necessary torque and speed control parameters that can be adjusted to match different material types and installation requirements.
3Productivity
If the preloading cartridge dives into the installation tool against spring load, then the wire thread insert can be installed, but the installation depth determination remains problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The tactile detection units are pre-positioned at specific locations on the preloading cartridge before installation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that as the cartridge dives into the tool during installation, the sensors will contact the component surface at predetermined points, providing accurate depth measurement data throughout the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection sensors provide real-time feedback during the diving and installation process. As the preloading cartridge moves against the spring load, the tactile units continuously monitor contact with the component surface and transmit this information back to the control system, enabling precise determination of installation depth throughout the operation.
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 solution enables reliable and precise installation of wire thread inserts by accurately determining the installation depth and orientation, reducing faults and wear, and allowing for both manual and automated operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one tactile detection unit projects beyond a ring-like front side of the preloading cartridge and can be offset parallel to a longitudinal axis of the preloading cartridge, wherein an axial offset of the at least one tactile detection unit is detectable with a first detection sensor of the preloading cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
A hollow-cylindrical preloading cartridge of an installation tool of a wire thread insert has a mandrel channel extending within the preloading cartridge, in which an assembly mandrel with an installation end and a drive end is guided in an inner mandrel guiding thread. The cartridge has an outer wall which encompasses the mandrel channel at least partly with a radial positioning window adjacent to a first axial end of the preloading cartridge facing away from the drive end of the assembly mandrel, through which a wire thread insert is positionable on the assembly mandrel. At least one first tactile detection unit projects beyond a ring-like front side of the cartridge on the first axial end and is offsetable parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge, wherein an axial offset of the at least one tactile detection unit can be detected with a first detection sensor of the cartridge.