Universal Trigger Assembly for Jig Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trigger assemblies for parts checking jigs are inflexible, requiring multiple assemblies for different locations and shapes, leading to increased manufacturing and inventory costs due to their fixed design and inability to be easily reconfigured.
Innovation Solution
A universal trigger assembly with a pivoting trigger arm and adjustable gauge bushing system, allowing for selective mounting of pivot pins and gauge bushings to adapt to various locations and configurations, enabling easy reconfiguration and reduced inventory needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If trigger assemblies are designed with fixed pivot arm locations and permanent gauge bushing positions, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but adaptability to different locations and configurations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger assembly is divided into separable components: a base unit with multiple pivot pin apertures and gauge bushing apertures, and interchangeable trigger arms with corresponding pivot pin apertures. This segmentation allows the same base to accommodate different trigger arm configurations by selective assembly, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and location adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple trigger arm types and gauge bushing positions through standardized apertures. This universal base performs multiple functions by accepting different combinations of trigger arms and gauge bushings, eliminating the need for separate fixed assemblies for each location while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple differently shaped trigger assemblies with different length trigger arms and differently positioned gauge bushings are used for a single jig, then adaptability to various locations is achieved, but manufacturing costs and inventory requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal base unit replaces the need for multiple different trigger assemblies by providing standardized pivot pin apertures and gauge bushing apertures that accommodate various trigger arm configurations. This universality reduces inventory from multiple specialized assemblies to one multi-functional base unit, dramatically reducing quantity requirements while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the common base structure with variable trigger arm components into a unified system. The base unit combines multiple functional capabilities (supporting different trigger arm lengths, positions, and orientations) within a single component, eliminating the need to maintain separate inventories for each configuration and reducing overall quantity requirements.
3Productivity
If trigger assemblies are permanently preassembled with long or short pivot arms, then assembly time is reduced, but reconfigurability for different locations is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger assembly is segmented into a base unit and interchangeable trigger arm components that can be quickly attached or removed. This segmentation enables rapid reconfiguration by simply changing the trigger arm component while maintaining the same base unit, allowing the system to adapt to different locations without requiring complete disassembly or permanent assembly decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger assembly transitions from a static, permanent assembly to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The standardized apertures and interchangeable components allow the trigger arm to be dynamically changed based on location requirements, enabling the same base unit to serve multiple functions over time while maintaining quick assembly capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A trigger assembly for parts checking jigs and the like has a pivoting trigger arm with a central bearing aperture. A universal base is supported on the jig, and has two pairs of pivot pin apertures located adjacent opposite ends, a U-shaped central channel in the bottom face in which the trigger arm is received, and two laterally spaced gauge bushing apertures in the upper face. A pivot pin extends through the bearing aperture in the trigger arm and one pair of the pivot pin apertures in the base. A spring is mounted in the base and biases the trigger arm to an extended position. A gauge bushing is received in one of the two bushing apertures, such that the trigger arm assembly can be readily reconfigured for placement at various locations on the jig by selective mounting of the trigger arm and the gauge bushing in selected ones of the associated base apertures.