Tapered Frame Structure for Jig-Free Assembly Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Office automation equipment such as copying machines and printers face challenges in maintaining assembly accuracy during disassembly and reassembly operations without the use of exclusive assembly jigs, leading to potential deviations and reduced operativity.
Innovation Solution
A structure comprising a first frame with a slit portion and a second frame with a plate portion that includes an introducing portion, first and second positioning portions, and tapered portions to facilitate accurate positioning and assembly without the need for assembly jigs, allowing for easy insertion and alignment of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If irregular-shaped holes and projections with tight fit tolerances are used for positioning, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring exclusive assembly jigs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the positioning structure by introducing tapered portions with specific angle ranges (5-15 degrees) and introducing portions with width larger than plate thickness. This transforms the positioning mechanism from requiring tight fit tolerances to using geometric guidance, enabling accurate assembly without exclusive jigs while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered portions are designed to guide the plate portion into correct positioning before final engagement. This preliminary geometric guidance ensures that even without precise pre-positioning, the components self-align during assembly, eliminating the need for complex jigs and maintaining both precision and ease of operation
2Manufacturing precision
If irregular-shaped holes and projections with tight fit tolerances are used for positioning, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring exclusive assembly jigs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters by adding tapered portions with controlled angles and introducing portions with increased width. This simplifies the overall assembly structure by replacing complex tight-tolerance fitting with geometric guidance, reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning structure is segmented into distinct functional portions: introducing portions for initial engagement, tapered portions for guidance and alignment, and positioning portions for final localization. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure by breaking down the complex positioning function into manageable geometric elements
3Adaptability or versatility
If units are disassembled and reassembled during maintenance or part exchange, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to reproduce assembly accuracy without assembly jigs
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered portions with specific angle ranges and introducing portions with width larger than plate thickness create a self-aligning mechanism that reproduces assembly accuracy during maintenance operations. This geometric design ensures consistent positioning without requiring the original assembly jigs, maintaining precision while enabling maintenance flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric design of the tapered and introducing portions enables the structure to self-position and self-align during assembly. This self-service mechanism allows maintenance personnel to reassemble units accurately without requiring specialized tools or jigs, maintaining both adaptability and manufacturing precision
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 accurate and efficient assembly and disassembly of units, reducing the need for exclusive tools and simplifying the process, thereby improving user operativity and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a first tapered portion (613a) connecting the introducing portion (613c) and the first positioning portion (613b), and a second tapered portion (419a) connecting the free end portion (419b) and the second positioning portion (419c)
Data Source
AI summary
A structure includes a first frame including a slit portion; and a second frame including a plate portion configured to enter the slit portion. The slit portion includes an introducing portion, a first positioning portion, and a first tapered portion connecting the introducing portion and the first positioning portion. The plate portion includes a free end portion capable of entering the introducing portion, a second positioning portion determining a position of the plate portion with respect to a longitudinal direction of the slit portion, a third positioning portion determining a position of the plate portion with respect to an inserting direction into the slit portion, and a second tapered portion contactable to the first tapered portion and connecting the free end portion and the second positioning portion.