Tolerance Compensation Assembly for Precise Workpiece Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The imprecise positioning of elements due to manufacturing tolerances leads to collisions between actuating features and sensors or switches, particularly in electronic devices where one element is mounted on a different support, causing activation issues.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first and second part, where the second part is inserted into the first part with a frictional contact, allowing angular rotations to adjust the position of the first part relative to the second workpiece, compensating for manufacturing tolerances by determining a precise distance between the workpieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If elements are mounted on different supports with standard manufacturing tolerances, then manufacturing cost and ease of assembly are improved, but positioning precision deteriorates causing collisions between actuating features and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the second part can rotate angularly around the device axis, allowing the first part to move radially inward or outward. This dynamic positioning enables precise adjustment of the distance between first and second workpieces to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, while maintaining ease of assembly through a modular design that requires only insertion of the second part into the first part.
2Device complexity
If the distance between workpieces is fixed by manufacturing tolerances, then device simplicity is maintained, but activation reliability deteriorates due to improper end of stroke positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-adjustment of positioning through angular rotation of the second part, which automatically moves the first part to the correct radial position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external adjustment systems while ensuring reliable activation by positioning the end of stroke correctly regardless of manufacturing tolerances in the supports.
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 device enables precise positioning by compensating for manufacturing tolerances, ensuring correct actuation of sensors or switches by adjusting the distance between workpieces, thus preventing collisions and ensuring proper activation.
Implementation Method 1
an outer diameter of the tubular subpart of the second part being adjusted to an inner diameter of the hollow portion of the first part so that an outer surface of the tubular subpart of the second part is in frictional contact with an inner surface of the hollow portion of the first part
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (1) for positioning of a first workpiece (A) at a predetermined distance from a second workpiece (B) in a mechanical assembly, the device (1) being configured to be mounted on the second workpiece (B) into a through hole thereof, comprising a first and second parts, first part (12) being tubular and having a hollow portion (15) formed around an axis (AX) of the device (1), second part (13) comprising a tubular subpart (16) to be inserted, at least partially, inside the hollow portion (15) of the first part (12), an outer diameter (DI) of the tubular subpart (16) being adjusted to an inner diameter of the hollow portion (15) so that an outer surface (18) of the tubular subpart (16) is in frictional contact with an inner surface of the hollow portion (15), a first angular position of the second part (13) around the axis (AX) of the device (1) being defined, so that a first rotation by a first angle of rotation of the second part (13) around the axis (AX) in a first angular direction (A1), from the first angular position drives a rotation, by the first angle, of the first part (12) around the axis (AX) in the first angular direction (A1) from the first angular position up to an intermediate angular position, first rotation simultaneously generating a movement of the first part (12) along axis (AX) towards first workpiece (A) such that an end of device (1) is in contact with first workpiece (A).