Zero-Point Positioning Key Locking for Accurate Workpiece Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zero point positioning devices suffer from positioning accuracy deviations due to gaps between pins and workpiece holes, leading to displacement during machine tool transitions.
Innovation Solution
A zero point positioning device with paired positioners and a locking assembly, featuring intersecting second mating surfaces and a locking mechanism that constrains the positioning key in both horizontal and vertical directions, ensuring precise alignment through clearance fits and locking grooves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a round dowel pin is used to directly connect to the work piece, then the connection is simple and easy to manufacture, but a small amount of gap is left between the pin and the assembling hole, leading to deviation in positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning key is segmented into multiple surfaces with different functions: first positioning surfaces for clearance fit (easy manufacture) and second positioning surfaces for precise mating (high accuracy). This segmentation allows each surface to serve its specific purpose optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning key acts as an intermediary between the simple round dowel pin concept and the precise positioning requirement. It provides a structured interface with differentiated surfaces that mediate between ease of connection and positioning accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If a small amount of gap is left between the pin and the assembling hole to facilitate connection, then the connection process is easier, but positioning accuracy deviates causing displacement
Solution Approach 1:
Different local regions of the positioning key have different quality characteristics: the first positioning surfaces have clearance fit quality for easy connection, while the second positioning surfaces have precise mating quality for accurate positioning. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and positioning precision.
3Ease of operation
If the positioning key is freely movable in the insertion opening, then insertion and removal are convenient, but positioning stability is insufficient leading to displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic state where the positioning key can be easily inserted and removed when not locked, then becomes stable when locked by the locking blocks. This dynamic characteristic allows both ease of operation and positioning stability at different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking blocks are preliminarily positioned to engage with the locking grooves before final positioning is completed, ensuring that once the positioning key is inserted, it is immediately secured to prevent displacement while maintaining ease of insertion and removal.
Data Source
AI summary
A zero point positioning device is provided. The device includes a base platform and at least two positioners arranged in pairs. The positioners are arranged at intervals on the base platform. Each positioner includes a shell seat mounted on the base platform, a positioning key configured to be inserted into the insertion opening from top to bottom, and a locking assembly provided inside the shell seat. The positioning key includes a positioning portion, a periphery of the positioning portion includes two first positioning surfaces arranged opposite to each other and two second positioning surfaces arranged opposite to each other, the two first positioning surfaces are respectively in clearance fit with the two first mating surfaces, the two second positioning surfaces are respectively mate with and abut against the two second mating surfaces.