Self-Aligning Threaded Fastener for Robotic Battery Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated systems face challenges in achieving accurate mechanical alignment for robotic assembly of components, requiring expensive and complex optical devices, and struggle with managing multiple loose components.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning mechanical fastener system that includes a first threaded fastener in a guide housing and a second threaded fastener in a housing with an alignment guide featuring a tapered aperture, allowing for automatic alignment and secure engagement using a motor-driven mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical devices are used for guidance and alignment in robotic systems, then alignment accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical alignment systems with a simple tapered mechanical guide structure. The tapered aperture in the alignment guide and corresponding tapered exterior surface on the fastener guide housing create self-aligning mechanical guidance, eliminating the need for expensive optical devices while maintaining alignment accuracy through geometric constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system is self-aligning, meaning the tapered geometry automatically guides the fastener into proper alignment without requiring external optical guidance or complex control systems. The converging tapered surfaces naturally direct the fastener along the correct path as it approaches the target aperture.
2Measurement precision
If manual alignment is performed, then alignment accuracy is achieved, but automation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual alignment operations with automated robotic systems by providing them with simple mechanical guidance cues. The tapered alignment guide structure gives the robotic system automatic geometric guidance, allowing automation to achieve alignment accuracy that would otherwise require human operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered alignment guide structure serves as an intermediary between the robotic system and the fastener assembly. It translates the robotic system's approach into precise alignment through its geometric constraints, enabling automation to perform tasks that traditionally required manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple loose components are managed, then assembly flexibility is improved, but handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alignment guide, fastener guide housing, and securing plate into an integrated assembly. This merging of components simplifies handling by reducing the number of separate loose parts that need to be managed, while still allowing assembly flexibility through the modular fastener design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is nested within the fastener guide housing, which is in turn guided by the alignment guide structure. This nested arrangement organizes multiple components in a hierarchical manner, making it easier to handle and assemble them as a coordinated unit rather than managing separate loose components.
Data Source
AI summary
Corresponding threaded mechanical fasteners are automatically aligned with an alignment guide. The alignment guide includes a tapered cavity defined in a housing. As the threaded mechanical fasteners are moved towards one another to mate, the tapered cavity in the alignment guide causes the threaded mechanical fasteners to align with each other. The mechanical fasteners can connect a modular rechargeable battery to a battery receptacle in a vehicle.