Self-Aligning Mechanical Fastener for Robotic Assembly Locking

Solution Overview

Problem

Automated systems face challenges in accurately aligning mechanical fasteners, requiring expensive and complex optical devices, and struggle with managing loose components.

Innovation Solution

A self-aligning mechanical fastener system comprising an active apparatus with a motor-driven shaft and plunger, and a passive apparatus with a tapered alignment guide, allowing for automatic alignment and secure locking through a locking body mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional mechanical fasteners are used in automated systems, then accurate alignment can be achieved, but expensive and complex optical devices are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of alignment system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener system performs alignment automatically through its own structural features. The tapered alignment guide on the shaft and corresponding guide features in the hole enable the fastener to self-align during insertion, eliminating the need for external optical alignment devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment guide features are pre-configured on the fastener shaft and housing hole before the fastening operation begins. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that alignment is established automatically as the fastener is inserted, prior to the actual locking mechanism engaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If traditional mechanical fasteners are used in automated systems, then accurate alignment can be achieved, but the cost increases due to expensive optical devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidcost of alignment system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener system performs alignment automatically through its own structural features. The tapered alignment guide on the shaft and corresponding guide features in the hole enable the fastener to self-align during insertion, eliminating the need for external optical alignment devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment function is achieved through simple geometric features (tapered guides and matching holes) that are inexpensive to manufacture compared to optical devices. These features are integrated into the fastener components themselves, avoiding the need for separate expensive alignment systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If manual alignment is used, then accurate positioning can be achieved, but automation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidlevel of automation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener system performs alignment automatically through its own structural features. The tapered alignment guide on the shaft and corresponding guide features in the hole enable the fastener to self-align during insertion, eliminating the need for external optical alignment devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment guide features are pre-configured on the fastener shaft and housing hole before the fastening operation begins. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that alignment is established automatically as the fastener is inserted, prior to the actual locking mechanism engaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables cost-effective, automated alignment and secure coupling of mechanical fasteners without the need for complex optical devices, facilitating efficient assembly in robotic systems.

Implementation Method 1

the distal end of the plunger applies a force on the locking body that causes the locking body to mechanically engage the pressure frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the proximal end of the alignment housing forming a tapered alignment guide defined by internal walls of the alignment housing such that the hole has a width that decreases from a proximal end of the alignment guide to a distal end of the alignment guide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTapered Geometry: Geometry

Implementation Method 3

a plunger having a channel defined from a proximal end to a distal end of the plunger, the channel defined by an internal wall having internal threads that engage the external threads on the threaded region of the shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreaded Engagement: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS12442405B2Self-aligning mechanical fastener

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 AMPLE INC

AI summary

A self-aligning mechanical fastener includes an active apparatus and a passive apparatus and is configured to have locked and unlocked states. The active apparatus includes a motor that drives a shaft in first direction to advance a plunger towards the passive apparatus to transition the fastener to the locked state. The plunger includes a tapered distal end that mechanically engages a locking body. The locking body is moved laterally by the tapered distal end to apply a force to a locking frame that is located in a slot defined in a housing of the passive apparatus. The force causes the mechanical fastener to be locked. To unlock the mechanical fastener, the motor drives the shaft in a second direction to retract the plunger away from the passive apparatus.