Tapered Alignment Mechanism for Sensorless Component Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing assembly apparatuses require a sensor to detect reaction forces from chamfered portions, which can be costly and prone to damage, and may not effectively correct positional shifts between components during assembly.

Innovation Solution

An assembly apparatus with a gripping section, a correcting section, and a driving section, featuring a first mechanism with a tapered portion and a second mechanism with a matching tapered portion, allowing for positional correction without the need for a reaction force sensor, using a robot to drive the correcting section and move the components relative to each other.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensor is used to detect reaction forces from chamfered portions, then positional shift detection is enabled, but the cost increases and the sensor is prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositional shift detectionVSAvoidsensor durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the sensor-based mechanical detection system with a purely mechanical correction system. The tapered portions on both the first and second components mechanically indicate positional shifts through their geometric interaction during assembly, eliminating the need for electronic sensors and their associated fragility and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The tapered portions act as mechanical intermediaries that transfer positional shift information from the component interfaces to the operators or correction mechanisms. The geometry of the tapers provides a visual and tactile indication of misalignment without requiring direct sensor contact with the chamfered portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a sensor is used to detect reaction forces, then positional shift detection is possible, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositional shift detectionVSAvoidassembly apparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates electronic sensors, signal processing circuits, and control systems by using the inherent geometry of the tapered portions to provide mechanical feedback. This substitution dramatically simplifies the assembly apparatus while maintaining positional shift detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The tapered portions on the components themselves provide the detection function without requiring external sensing equipment. The geometric features serve their primary structural purpose while simultaneously indicating positional shifts, eliminating the need for separate detection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If the first component is fitted to the second component with chamfered portions, then assembly is enabled, but positional shift correction is insufficient without additional mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidpositional alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric tapered portions with specific angle configurations that guide the components into proper alignment. The non-symmetric geometry of the tapers creates a self-correcting mechanism that naturally guides misaligned components into their correct positional relationship during the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The tapered portions utilize curved surface geometry rather than flat or angular features. This curvature allows for smooth, progressive correction of positional shifts as the components are brought together, enabling gradual self-alignment without sudden impacts or binding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 apparatus effectively corrects positional shifts between components during assembly without a sensor, reducing the risk of damage and costs, and ensuring precise fitting without the need for reaction force detection.

Implementation Method 1

The first mechanism has a first tapered portion on a surface opposite to the gripping section. The second mechanism has a second tapered portion on a surface opposite to the driving section. The second tapered portion has a substantially identical shape to the first tapered portion. The first tapered portion is placed on the second tapered portion.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11312024B2Assembly apparatus having positional shift correction of components
Publication Date: 2022.04.26 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC
  • US11312024B2 patent drawing
  • US11312024B2 patent drawing
  • US11312024B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An assembly apparatus assembles a first component and a second component. The assembly apparatus includes a gripping section, a correcting section, and a driving section. The gripping section grips the first component. The correcting section corrects positional shift of the first component relative to the second component. The driving section drives the correcting section. The correcting section includes a first mechanism connected to the gripping section and a second mechanism connected to the driving section. The first mechanism has a first tapered portion on a surface opposite to the gripping section. The second mechanism has a second tapered portion on a surface opposite to the driving section. The second tapered portion has a substantially identical shape to the first tapered portion. The first tapered portion is placed on the second tapered portion.