Single-Sided Clamp-Up Through Fastener-Hole Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for maintaining clamp-up of parts during fastener installation operations are complex and inefficient, requiring multiple function end effectors that are cumbersome and require additional forces to hold parts in place, which complicates the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
The use of single function end effectors that apply forces via suction through a fastener hole to maintain clamp-up, allowing for efficient and independent holding of parts from one side, enabling the switching of end effectors without undoing the clamp-up, and utilizing a reactive force to maintain equilibrium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-function end effectors are used to maintain clamp-up during fastener installation, then the parts can be held in place, but the system complexity increases and additional forces are required on both sides
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp-up maintenance function is segmented from the multi-function end effector and assigned to a separate suction device. The suction device independently maintains clamp-up through vacuum suction through the fastener hole, while the end effector focuses on fastener installation tasks. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by dividing functions into specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device serves multiple purposes: it maintains clamp-up during fastener installation and can be used for positioning and holding parts throughout the assembly process. By making the suction device a universal clamp-up maintenance tool, the system eliminates the need for complex multi-function end effectors that combine clamping and fastening capabilities.
2Reliability
If multi-function end effectors are used to maintain clamp-up, then parts can be held together, but the size and weight of the end effectors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp-up maintenance function is separated from the end effector and assigned to a dedicated suction device. This segmentation allows the end effector to be lighter and more compact, as it only needs to perform fastener installation tasks without the additional weight of clamping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical clamping force is replaced with pneumatic suction force. Instead of using heavy mechanical end effectors with actuators and gripping mechanisms, the system uses a suction device that generates vacuum pressure to hold parts together, significantly reducing the weight and complexity of the moving components.
3Reliability
If additional forces are applied on both sides to maintain clamp-up, then parts can be held together, but the assembly process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp-up maintenance function is extracted from the fastener installation process and performed independently by the suction device. This allows the fastener installation to proceed without coordination with additional clamping forces, simplifying the assembly operation sequence and reducing the number of coordinated actions required.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device automatically maintains clamp-up through continuous vacuum suction through the fastener hole, requiring no additional manual intervention or coordination with other forces. The system self-regulates the clamping force through the suction mechanism, eliminating the need for complex force balancing and coordination between multiple actuators.
4Device complexity
If single function end effectors with suction are used to maintain clamp-up from one side, then the complexity is reduced, but additional forces on the opposite side are eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic suction through the fastener hole to generate sufficient holding force for clamp-up maintenance. The vacuum pressure created by the suction device provides reliable clamping force without requiring mechanical contact from both sides, demonstrating that pneumatic forces can replace mechanical forces for clamping applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical force system requiring contact from both sides is replaced with a pneumatic suction system operating from one side. The suction device creates vacuum pressure that pulls the parts together through the fastener hole, providing reliable clamp-up maintenance with a single-sided mechanism, thus replacing the need for dual-sided mechanical forcing.
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 reducing the complexity and size of end effectors, improving efficiency and reliability, and allowing for easier maintenance, while maintaining clamp-up without the need for additional forces on the opposite side.
Implementation Method 1
Air is suctioned through a fastener hole... to pull the second part towards the first part
Implementation Method 2
Air is suctioned from a first side of a clamp-up of a first part and a second part through a fastener hole
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for providing a clamp-up are provided. The methods and apparatuses include reaching through a first hole in a first part to grip a wall that defines a second hole in a second part to thereby pull the second part against the first part.