Vertical Toothblock Pin for Configurable Block Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pin and stop block assemblies for workpiece arrangement are limited in configuration and precise placement is difficult due to imprecision, making it time-consuming to affix workpieces in desired orientations.
Innovation Solution
The use of a vertical toothblock pin with a multifaced pin collar and a toothed pin slot that allows for variable positioning through engagement of multiple tooth configurations, enabling precise and versatile alignment of workpieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pin and stop block assemblies are used, then the device structure is simple, but the positioning precision is poor and configuration options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is divided into multiple functional segments: a collar with multiple tooth configurations, a shaft, and a head. Each segment serves a specific function - the collar provides multiple positioning options through different tooth arrangements, the shaft transmits force, and the head enables manipulation. This segmentation allows the single pin component to replace multiple conventional pins while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is designed with multiple tooth configurations (first, second, and third tooth configurations) that can engage with corresponding teeth on the stop block at different positions. This multi-functionality allows a single pin to provide multiple positioning options and configuration possibilities, eliminating the need for multiple different pin types while improving positioning precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pin assemblies are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the number of configurations is limited and precise placement is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed as a multifaceted component with tooth configurations arranged in different orientations and positions around its circumference. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple tooth configurations to be accessed by rotating the collar to different angular positions, effectively adding a rotational dimension to the positioning capability. This enables a single pin to provide multiple configurations without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar features asymmetric tooth configurations where the first, second, and third tooth arrangements are positioned at different locations and orientations around the collar. This asymmetry allows each tooth configuration to engage with stop block teeth at specific positions, creating distinct positioning options. The asymmetric design maximizes configuration versatility while maintaining a relatively simple cylindrical collar structure.
3Productivity
If conventional stop blocks are used, then the assembly is simple, but precise placement and controllable affixing of workpieces is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement between the collar's tooth configurations and the stop block's teeth provides mechanical feedback that confirms precise positioning. When the teeth properly engage, the system naturally settles into a stable configuration, giving the user tactile and visual feedback that the workpiece is correctly positioned. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures and ensures precise placement quickly.
Solution Approach 2:
The toothed engagement mechanism is designed to self-align and self-lock into precise positions. The geometric relationship between the collar teeth and stop block teeth automatically guides the components into correct alignment during assembly, without requiring external adjustment or complex tooling. This self-service capability significantly improves workpiece affixing efficiency while maintaining high placement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Configurable block assemblies are described. In an example, a configurable block assembly includes a block body with a toothed pin slot that includes an arrangement of teeth that extend inwardly to the toothed pin slot. The block assembly further includes a vertical toothblock pin that includes a multifaced pin collar. The multifaced pin collar has two or more pairs of substantially parallel sides, each pair having a unique tooth configuration. The tooth configurations of the pairs of sides of the multifaced pin collar are engageable with the arrangement of teeth of the toothed pin slot to enable variable positioning of the block assembly to achieve a variety of different working positions and working scenarios.