Single-Sided Clamp-Up via Fastener Hole Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for maintaining clamp-up of parts during assembly operations are complex and inefficient, requiring multiple mechanical forces to hold parts in place for fastener installation, which can complicate the process and reduce assembly efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a first mechanical force to one part and a second mechanical force to another part, with air suctioned through a fastener hole to maintain clamp-up, allowing the mechanical forces to be removed while suction continues to hold the parts together, using a single-sided clamp-up mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple mechanical forces are applied to hold parts in place for fastener installation, then the clamp-up is maintained, but the system complexity increases and assembly efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clamp-up maintenance function from complex multi-force mechanical systems and implements it through a simple vacuum suction mechanism applied through the fastener hole, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical forces and reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable part clamping
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical force-based clamp-up systems with a vacuum-based pneumatic system, where vacuum suction through the fastener hole creates holding forces that maintain clamp-up without requiring complex mechanical actuators and multiple force application points
2Reliability
If multiple mechanical forces are used to maintain clamp-up, then parts are held in place, but assembly efficiency and speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the time-consuming operations of applying and maintaining multiple mechanical forces by extracting the clamp-up function to a simple vacuum application through the fastener hole, enabling faster setup and maintenance of part clamping during assembly operations
Solution Approach 2:
By substituting mechanical force application systems with a vacuum suction system, the patent eliminates the need for complex mechanical actuators and multiple force application points, thereby increasing assembly speed and efficiency while maintaining reliable part clamping
3Reliability
If mechanical forces are continuously applied to maintain clamp-up, then parts remain clamped, but the number of mechanical components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential clamp-up maintenance function from complex mechanical component assemblies and implements it through a single vacuum suction mechanism applied through the fastener hole, dramatically reducing the number of mechanical components required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical force application components with a vacuum-based pneumatic system, where a single vacuum source can maintain clamp-up through the fastener hole without requiring multiple mechanical actuators, linkages, and force application points
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
This approach simplifies the assembly process by independently maintaining the clamp-up after mechanical forces are removed, enhancing efficiency and reducing complexity in fastener installation operations.
Implementation Method 1
Air is suctioned through a fastener hole, which is formed by a first hole in the first part that is aligned with a second hole in the second part, to pull the second part towards the first part and thereby maintain the clamp-up of the first part and the second part
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for aligning a first hole in a first panel (410) with a second hole in a second panel (412) to define a through-hole. A wall that defines the second hole is gripped from within the through-hole to pull the second panel towards the first panel and thereby establish a clamp-up of the first panel and the second panel.