Universal Part Holding Assembly with Movable Clamps and Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly systems require dedicated fixtures and grippers for each subcomponent, leading to high lead times and capital investments due to limited adjustability and non-standardized holes, resulting in inefficiencies in assembling devices like vehicles and home appliances.
Innovation Solution
A part holding assembly with a frame featuring movable clamping devices and pin devices that can adjust to different positions and configurations, allowing for secure positioning and location of parts with non-standardized holes, coupled with a support structure and actuator system for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated fixtures and grippers are designed for each subcomponent, then positioning precision and gripping reliability are improved, but device complexity, lead time, and capital investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal fixture system with movable clamping devices that can be positioned at multiple locations along tracks, allowing a single fixture to accommodate multiple subcomponents with different hole configurations. The clamping devices can be independently positioned and adjusted to grip various part geometries, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated fixtures while maintaining reliable positioning and gripping for each subcomponent type.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture system employs movable clamping devices that can dynamically reposition along tracks to adapt to different subcomponent locations and orientations. The clamping devices feature adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow real-time modification of grip location and angle, enabling the same fixture to reliably handle varying part configurations without requiring separate dedicated fixtures for each component type.
2Manufacturing precision
If dedicated fixtures are customized for particular subcomponents, then positioning accuracy is improved, but adaptability and adjustability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture system integrates multiple clamping devices on a common structure with tracks that allow each clamp to be independently positioned. This universal design enables the same fixture to accurately position various subcomponents by adjusting clamp locations rather than requiring customized fixtures for each part type, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while maximizing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture is divided into modular clamping devices that can be independently positioned and adjusted along separate tracks. Each clamping device functions as an independent unit that can be configured for specific positioning requirements, allowing the overall system to achieve high positioning accuracy for different subcomponents through modular adjustment rather than customizing the entire fixture for each component.
3Reliability
If separate individual dedicated grippers are utilized for each subcomponent configuration, then gripping reliability is improved, but lead time and capital investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a single gripper mechanism that can be repositioned and reconfigured for different subcomponents rather than requiring separate dedicated grippers for each part type. This universal gripper maintains reliable gripping through adjustable positioning and orientation capabilities, eliminating the need for time-consuming design and manufacture of multiple specialized grippers while preserving secure handling of all subcomponents.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper system incorporates dynamic repositioning capabilities along tracks and adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the same gripper to adapt to different subcomponent locations and orientations. This dynamic flexibility enables the single gripper to maintain reliable gripping for various part configurations without requiring multiple static dedicated grippers, thereby reducing lead time and investment.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple dedicated fixtures are manufactured for different subcomponents, then assembly precision is improved, but capital investment and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal fixture system that can achieve high assembly precision for multiple subcomponents through adjustable clamping devices positioned along tracks. Instead of manufacturing separate dedicated fixtures for each subcomponent type, the same fixture structure with reconfigurable clamps maintains precise positioning and orientation requirements across different parts, thereby reducing capital investment and manufacturing costs while preserving assembly precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple clamping functions into a single integrated fixture structure with shared support elements and common tracking mechanisms. By merging the functionality of what would otherwise require multiple separate fixtures into one unified system with adjustable components, the design achieves the same assembly precision for various subcomponents while significantly reducing the total capital investment and manufacturing cost of the fixture system.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly system and a part holding assembly are configured to locate and secure a part defining holes. The part holding assembly further includes a first clamping device movable along a first track for positioning the first clamping device relative to the part. The first clamping device is configured to engage the part to secure the part to the first clamping device. The part holding assembly also includes a first pin device movable along a second track for positioning the first pin device relative to the location of one of the holes of the part. The first pin is configured to be disposed through the one of the holes of the part when in a closed position for locating the part. The first pin is configured to expand in the one of the holes when in an open position for securing the part to the first pin device.