Segmented Alignment Pin for Locating Hole Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position adjusting pins used in production processes, such as assembly and machining, face issues like damage to locating holes due to high weight and wear, leading to dimensional inaccuracies and short service life, and fail to prevent stretching of adjustment holes, which complicates precise alignment and sealing.
Innovation Solution
A component alignment apparatus featuring a pin with a holder and a fixing element that moves to center the pin within a precise reference position, using aligning surfaces and centering elements driven by actuators to ensure accurate alignment without damaging the locating feature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conically shaped adjusting pin is used to compensate for position deviations, then the ease of operation and adaptability improve, but the locating hole is damaged leading to loss of manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting pin is divided into two distinct parts: a conical insertion portion for easy alignment and insertion into the locating hole, and a cylindrical working portion that maintains the original hole geometry. This segmentation allows the pin to perform both functions without compromising the locating hole integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful conical shape is extracted and limited to only the insertion portion of the pin, while the main working portion retains the cylindrical shape. This extraction ensures that the damaging conical geometry is separated from the portion that contacts the locating hole during normal operation.
2Strength
If a heavy device (up to 500 Kg) is used for positioning, then the stability and strength improve, but the insertion force damages the locating hole
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is designed with different geometries at different locations: the insertion portion has a conical shape to facilitate easy insertion despite high device weights, while the working portion has a cylindrical shape to prevent hole damage. This local quality differentiation allows the system to handle heavy loads without compromising hole integrity.
3Strength
If the adjusting pin is made from steel to provide strength, then the load-bearing capacity improves, but the wear resistance decreases leading to short service life
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting pin is constructed as a composite assembly with the insertion portion made from steel for strength and the working portion made from wear-resistant ceramic material. This composite approach combines the advantages of both materials: steel provides the necessary load-bearing capacity while ceramic provides exceptional wear resistance for extended service life.
4Reliability
If ceramic material is used for the adjusting pin to improve wear resistance, then the service life improves, but the ability to prevent hole stretching is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is segmented into steel and ceramic portions with distinct functions. The steel conical insertion portion handles the alignment and insertion task, while the ceramic cylindrical working portion provides wear resistance during operation. This segmentation ensures that the ceramic material does not come into contact with the locating hole in a way that would cause stretching.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture for positioning a component in a desired location in a first plane for assembly, machining, or other processing related to manufacturing. The fixture includes a holder establishing a reference position within a second plane parallel with the first plane, and a pin retained by the holder for movement relative thereto in the second plane within a range of coarse alignment about the reference position. The pin and holder are movable together normal to the second plane to engage the pin with the locating feature. A fixing element is movable, when the pin is engaged with the feature, to urge the pin to the reference position.