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.