Surface Layer Wrapping Fit With Elastic Push Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual fitting of the wrapping portion of a surface layer member onto a base member in manufacturing surface-layered parts is labor-intensive, leading to low productivity and quality variations in mass production.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a push-to-fit device with a pushing portion that includes a rigid base member and an elastic member to mechanically fit the wrapping portion of the surface layer member onto the edge of the base member, featuring a workpiece supporting table and a clamp device for automated assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual fitting of the wrapping portion is used, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but productivity is low and quality varies
Solution Approach 1:
The pushing portion is divided into a rigid base member and a separate elastic member, allowing each component to perform its specific function (structural support and flexible contact, respectively) while together enabling automated fitting operations
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary between the rigid base member and the wrapping portion, providing flexible contact that prevents damage while enabling the pushing action needed for automated fitting
2Manufacturing precision
If automated push-to-fit device is used, then productivity increases and quality consistency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member changes its physical state (deformation) during the pushing process, allowing it to adapt to the wrapping portion's position and apply appropriate force for precise fitting without damaging the material
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member is positioned specifically at the contact point with the wrapping portion, providing localized flexible contact exactly where needed for precise fitting while the rigid base member provides overall structural support
3Force
If rigid pushing mechanism is used, then fitting force is sufficient, but damage to surface layer member occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member changes its physical state (deformation) during the pushing process, allowing it to adapt to the wrapping portion's position and apply appropriate force for precise fitting without damaging the material
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary between the rigid base member and the wrapping portion, providing flexible contact that prevents damage while enabling the pushing action needed for automated fitting
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
The solution enhances productivity and ensures consistent quality by automating the fitting process, reducing manual labor and minimizing damage to the surface layer member during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The pushing portion includes a rigid base member and an elastic member on a surface of the rigid base member
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing apparatus may be used for manufacturing a surface-layered part. The surface-layered part includes a base member assembled with a surface layer member, wherein a front side of the flat base member is covered with the surface layer member, and a wrapping portion formed at an edge of the surface layer member is fitted onto the edge of the base member. The apparatus includes a workpiece supporting table on which the base member and the surface layer member are placed, such that the surface layer member is layered on the base member. The apparatus further includes a push-to-fit device for pushing the wrapping portion formed at the edge of the surface layer member in a direction to fit the wrapping portion onto the edge of the base member from an opened position, in which the wrapping portion is positioned away from the edge of the base member.