Rotatable Tool Assembly Jig for Threaded Fastener Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual assembly of threaded fastener pairs, such as nuts and bolts, is time-consuming and laborious, especially when multiple fasteners are involved, and can lead to issues like frictional engagement that makes it difficult to separate the fastener components from the tools, causing damage or loss.
Innovation Solution
An assembly jig with rotatable tools and alignment members that allow components to be securely fastened without fixed rotational constraints, enabling easy release by allowing limited rotation in the opposite direction to reduce friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual assembly of threaded fastener pairs is performed, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but assembly time and labor effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a jig as an intermediary device that holds multiple fastener pairs simultaneously. The jig includes a support member with multiple tools (sockets, screwdrivers) positioned at predetermined locations, allowing an operator to assemble multiple fasteners in one operation rather than manually assembling each fastener pair separately, thereby significantly improving assembly speed while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple assembly tools and fastener pairs into a single integrated jig assembly. Multiple sockets and screwdrivers are mounted on the support member at predetermined positions corresponding to different fastener locations, enabling the operator to tighten multiple fasteners simultaneously in one clamping action, thus merging multiple discrete assembly operations into a single unified process
2Reliability
If tools are fixed to prevent rotation during tightening, then fastener components are held securely, but frictional engagement makes it difficult to release the components from the tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the tool mounting dynamic by allowing the tools (sockets and screwdrivers) to rotate freely on the support member. The tools are not rigidly fixed but can rotate about their mounting points. During tightening, the tools remain securely engaged with fasteners due to the clamping force, but during release, the tools can rotate freely to reduce frictional engagement and allow easy removal of fastener components from the tool receptacles
3Productivity
If multiple fastener pairs are assembled simultaneously, then productivity increases, but the risk of misalignment and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates alignment members (such as pins or positioning features) on the support member that pre-position the tools at predetermined locations corresponding to the fastener holes in the workpiece. This preliminary positioning ensures that when multiple fasteners are assembled simultaneously, they are all properly aligned before the tightening operation begins, preventing misalignment and potential damage while maintaining high productivity
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly jig comprises: a support member providing a support surface; a tool configured to receive one component of a faster pair such that the component is not rotatable relative to the tool; one or more alignment members to locate the tool relative to the support member; wherein the one or more alignment members and the tool are configured such that, when the tool is located by the one or more alignment members on the support member, the tool is still rotatable with respect to the support member about an axis perpendicular to the support surface.