Valve Retainer Assembly Head for Faster Cotter Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling a retainer to a valve stem often require fine adjustments and have long cycle times due to the need for precise positioning of cotter pieces, which can delay the start of operations and increase the number of steps involved.
Innovation Solution
An assembling apparatus with a retainer placing mechanism that includes a holding unit, a push unit, and moving units to efficiently position and assemble the retainer and cotter pieces on a valve spring, utilizing horizontal and elevating movements to streamline the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cotter pieces are lifted from the retainer to open them for assembly, then the retainer can be assembled to the valve stem, but fine adjustment is required to place the cotter pieces in the same posture, increasing the time until operation start
Solution Approach 1:
The cotter pieces are pre-positioned in the holding unit in a predetermined posture before the assembly operation begins. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for fine adjustments during operation, allowing immediate start of assembly while ensuring accurate placement on the valve stem.
2Manufacturing precision
If the retainer and cotter pieces are separately supplied to the valve stem, then the cotter pieces can be positioned accurately, but the number of steps increases and cycle time becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The holding unit combines multiple functions: it holds both the retainer and the pair of cotter pieces simultaneously, and integrates the pushing mechanism to deliver all three components to the valve stem in a coordinated single operation. This merging eliminates separate supply steps while maintaining precise positioning through the unified pushing action.
3Ease of manufacture
If an apparatus lifts cotter pieces from the retainer to open them, then assembly is possible, but the apparatus requires fine adjustment on each basis, complicating the setup
Solution Approach 1:
The holding unit is designed with a predetermined posture for the cotter pieces that automatically ensures correct positioning during assembly. This self-positioning design eliminates the need for operator adjustments or complex adjustment mechanisms, simplifying both setup and operation while maintaining assembly accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembling apparatus places a retainer on a valve spring to surround an upper end of a valve stem. The apparatus includes an assembling head, and a moving unit configured to move the assembling head between the supply position of the retainer and an assembling position. The assembling head includes a holding unit configured to hold the retainer, and a push unit configured to push out the retainer. The push unit includes a push member supported to be able to advance/retreat along an elevating direction of the assembling head, and a biasing member configured to bias the push member in an advancing direction.