Peg-bush alignment under elastic vibrations

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to theoretically and experimentally investigate vibratory peg-bush alignment using elastic vibrations of the peg, when the peg is axially excited by a pressed piezoelectric vibrator on the upper end.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental research of part alignment using elastic vibrations was performed and dependencies of alignment duration on excitation signal parameters and initial pressing force were defined for rectangular and circular cross-section parts. Mathematical model of two-mass dynamic systems with elastic contact model representing alignment process was created. Dependencies of system parameters on the alignment duration were obtained by numerically solving systems differential equations.

Findings

Theoretical and experimental investigation approved the usage of elastic vibrations for alignment of chamferless circular and rectangular cross-section parts. This novel method of part alignment compensates axial misalignment between mating parts by directional displacement of movably based bush.

Research limitations/implications

Impact and non-impact interaction between bush and peg is possible; however, only non-impact regime was investigated. Static and dynamic coefficients of friction between the parts are equivalent and do not depend on relative velocity of parts.

Practical implications

The results are useful in designing reliable and effective assembly equipment with vibratory assistance alignment for peg-bush operations, which do not require auxiliary sensors and feedback systems. Use of a piezoelectric resonator for peg excitation makes this system easily adaptable to the existing automated assembly equipment.

Originality/value

The proposed method is a new approach to vibratory alignment. The data obtained during investigation expand the insight of the physical processes that drive bush to the axial alignment direction.

Citation

Sadauskas, E. and Baksys, B. (2014), "Peg-bush alignment under elastic vibrations", Assembly Automation, Vol. 34 No. 4, pp. 349-356. https://doi.org/10.1108/AA-05-2014-031