Single-Sided Clamp-Up Using Suction Through Aligned Panel Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for maintaining clamp-up of parts during fastener installation are complex and inefficient, requiring multiple mechanical forces and lacking a simple, reliable method for single-sided clamp-up to facilitate the switching of single-function end effectors.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of mechanical forces to form a clamp-up, followed by suction through a fastener hole to maintain the clamp-up independently, allowing for the switching of end effectors without additional mechanical forces on the second side, utilizing a suction device to grip the wall of the second part and create a reactive force for equilibrium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple mechanical forces are applied to maintain clamp-up from both sides, then the clamp-up stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clamp-up maintenance function to be performed solely from the first side by utilizing suction force applied through fastener holes. This eliminates the need for mechanical forces on the second side, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining clamp-up stability through the suction-based holding mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pneumatic suction force through fastener holes to maintain clamp-up on the first side. This pneumatic mechanism replaces the need for complex mechanical force application on both sides, reducing system complexity while achieving stable single-sided clamp-up maintenance
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-function end effector is used to perform clamping, drilling, inspection, and fastener insertion, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the end effector functions into separate single-function end effectors for clamping, drilling, inspection, and fastener insertion. This segmentation simplifies each individual end effector design while maintaining overall system versatility through coordinated operation of multiple specialized tools
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves versatility through a robotic system that can coordinate multiple single-function end effectors to perform clamping, drilling, inspection, and fastener insertion tasks. The suction-based clamp-up maintenance mechanism provides universal support for these operations without requiring complex multi-function end effectors
3Device complexity
If suction force is applied alone to maintain clamp-up, then the device complexity is reduced, but the holding force may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent balances the suction force applied on the first side with the reactive force generated by the fastener holes and the structural resistance of the workpiece. This force equilibrium allows suction alone to maintain adequate holding force while keeping the system simple
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors the suction force application and adjusts parameters such as suction pressure and flow rate to maintain adequate holding force. This feedback control ensures that the simplified suction-based system can adapt to varying workpiece requirements and maintain sufficient holding force
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 clamp-up process, reduces the complexity of end effector design, and enhances the efficiency and reliability of fastener installation by maintaining the clamp-up with suction alone, even after mechanical forces are removed, allowing for seamless switching of end effectors.
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
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for aligning a first hole in a first panel with a second hole in a second panel 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.