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
Engineering 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
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.
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.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor is used to detect reaction forces, then positional shift detection is possible, but the device complexity and cost increase
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Data Source
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.


