Terminal Hold Down Device With Removable Standoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal applicator machines require complex and costly hold down devices for different terminal sizes, which need frequent adjustments and replacements, especially when switching between end feed and side feed applications, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A terminal hold down device with a removable standoff that adjusts to accommodate various terminal sizes, allowing the same device to be used for both end feed and side feed applications without the need for readjustment during crimp height adjustments, utilizing a hold down arm and guide rods with a compression spring mechanism to maintain proximity to the terminal without physical contact during crimping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed-spacing hold down device is used for specific terminal sizes, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and adaptability worsen due to needing multiple hold downs for different terminal sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The hold down device incorporates a movable hold down surface that can be positioned at multiple locations along the guide rail using indexing holes and positioning pins. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same hold down device to accommodate different terminal sizes by adjusting the spacing between the hold down surface and the anvil, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision for specific sizes and adaptability across sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hold down device is designed with a universal structure that can serve multiple terminal sizes through adjustment mechanisms. The combination of guide rail, indexing holes, positioning pins, and movable hold down surface creates a multi-functional device that replaces the need for multiple dedicated hold downs, thus improving adaptability while maintaining manufacturing precision through the standardized adjustment system.
2Manufacturing precision
If hold down device spacing is accurately machined for each terminal size, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase due to multiple unique hold downs
Solution Approach 1:
The hold down device is segmented into adjustable components rather than being a fixed, monolithic structure. The hold down surface can be independently positioned along the guide rail using the indexing hole system, allowing precise spacing adjustments without requiring entirely different hold down devices for each terminal size. This segmentation reduces device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changing the critical parameter of hold down spacing through physical repositioning along the guide rail using standardized indexing holes and positioning pins. This parameter change capability enables the same device structure to accommodate different terminal sizes with different spacing requirements, reducing the need for multiple unique devices and their associated complexity and maintenance costs.
3Manufacturing precision
If hold down position is readjusted for each crimp height change, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but ease of operation worsens due to tedious readjustment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail is pre-configured with indexing holes at predetermined intervals corresponding to different crimp height requirements. Before actual crimping operations, the hold down device can be pre-positioned at the appropriate indexing hole using positioning pins, establishing the correct spacing in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for tedious readjustment operations during production while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The hold down device incorporates dynamic repositioning capability through the indexing hole system and positioning pins, allowing quick adjustment to different positions without complex machining or measurement operations. This dynamic adjustment mechanism maintains manufacturing precision by using pre-defined indexing positions while significantly improving ease of operation compared to fixed or continuously adjustable systems.
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 allows for a single, cost-effective hold down device to be used across multiple terminal sizes and applications, reducing part complexity and maintenance, while ensuring minimal terminal deformation and movement during the crimping process, and simplifying initial setup and ongoing operation.
Implementation Method 1
A compression spring is positioned within the guide rod so that it urges the hold down arm into tight pressing engagement with the guide rod
Implementation Method 2
An elastic member, not shown, is positioned within the opening 8 so that it urges the hold down 6 in the direction of the arrow 12
Data Source
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AI summary
A terminal applicator (50, 160) for attaching electrical terminals (52, 164) to a wire includes a terminal hold down device (90) for limiting movement of the terminal during the crimping process. The hold down device (90) includes a hold down arm (92, 200), a pair of guide rods (102), and a removable standoff (136). The guide rods (102) are carried by a reciprocating ram (62, 202) and are arranged so that when the standoff abuts a travel limit block (148) the hold down arm (92, 200) remains in close proximity to the terminal (52, 164) while the ram (62) continues its motion to complete the crimping cycle.