Suction Chuck Holding of Pin-Cap Workpieces Without Cap Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated assembly facilities face difficulties in simultaneously gripping pin members and cap members of complex workpieces, as the rigidity of the cap member in a radial direction is often insufficient, leading to deformation when conventional chucks attempt to sandwich the pin member.

Innovation Solution

A workpiece holding device comprising an adsorption member, a chuck mechanism, and a drive mechanism that absorbs the cap member and sandwiches the pin member in a radial direction, using a cam-driven mechanism to ensure the pin member is gripped without deforming the cap member, with adjustable gap portions allowing flexibility in the chuck mechanism's movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional chuck sandwiches the pin member in a radial direction, then the pin member can be gripped, but the cap member may be deformed due to insufficient radial rigidity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip stabilityVSAvoidcap member radial rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping function is segmented into two independent mechanisms: the chuck mechanism grips the pin member in the radial direction, while the adsorption member holds the cap member from above. This segmentation allows each mechanism to apply force appropriately without causing deformation to the cap member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adsorption member acts as an intermediary that supports the cap member during the gripping process. By adsorbing the cap member, it prevents the chuck from applying excessive radial force that would deform the cap, while still allowing the pin member to be gripped effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a mere chuck is used to grip the complex workpiece, then the structure is simple, but it is difficult to grip both the pin member and cap member at the same time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechuck structureVSAvoidgripping capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges two gripping mechanisms into one integrated workpiece holding device: the chuck mechanism for gripping the pin member and the adsorption member for holding the cap member. This combination enables simultaneous gripping of both components while maintaining a unified device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The workpiece holding device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both chuck and adsorption capabilities. The chuck mechanism handles radial gripping of the pin member, while the adsorption member provides axial holding of the cap member, making the device versatile for complex workpieces with multiple components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the cap member is sandwiched in a radial direction by a chuck, then gripping is achieved, but the cap member may be deformed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping easeVSAvoidcap member shape

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of gripping the cap member from the radial direction as with conventional chucks, the invention inverts the approach by using an adsorption member to hold the cap member from the axial direction. This inverted gripping method avoids radial deformation while maintaining secure holding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the purely mechanical radial sandwiching action of a conventional chuck with a combination of adsorption (via the adsorption member) and controlled mechanical gripping (via the chuck mechanism on the pin member). This substitution eliminates the harmful radial compression on the cap member while maintaining gripping effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 secure and deformation-free holding of complex workpieces by effectively gripping both the pin and cap members, preventing cap member deformation and ensuring stable handling during assembly processes.

Implementation Method 1

an adsorption member provided above a jig which supports the complex workpiece and comprising an adsorption portion which adsorbs the cap member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS20240207988A1Workpiece holding device and workpiece holding method

Publication Date: 2024.06.27 NHK SPRING CO LTD

AI summary

A workpiece holding device includes a suction chuck unit which includes an adsorption member, a chuck mechanism and a drive mechanism. When a drive member of the drive mechanism moves to a lower side, the chuck mechanism moves to an open position, and an adsorption portion is located at the position of a first height. After the adsorption portion adsorbs a cap member the drive member moves to a second height which is higher than the first height. When the drive member has moved to the second height, the cap member rises relative to a pin member. In this state, the chuck mechanism is closed. When the chuck mechanism is closed, of the pin member, a portion which is not covered with the cap member is sandwiched by the chuck mechanism.