Stiffness of Z-corrector with elastomer shear pads

摘要

In this paper, the performance of a new assembly device, the Z-corrector, is predicted. The Z-corrector is a passive device that aids the assembly of three dimensional prismatic parts with precision fits. The device corrects misalignment about the vertical axis during insertion by using forces that would normally jam or wedge the part in the hole to rotate the part into alignment in a helical motion. The Z-corrector is characterized by the pitch of the helical motion and by its axial and angular stiffnesses. in order to further develop and optimize the Z-correcotr, it is useful to have an analytical model to predict pitch and stiffness based on its design parameters. The development of the model and its verification by experiment are presented in this paper.