Design modeling and kinematics analysis of planar-based linear contact-type adaptive center-alignment device

Center alignment devices play a crucial role in industrial manufacturing and assembly, but they have certain drawbacks, including instability, complexity, and high production costs. To address these issues, this study introduces an alternative planar-based linear contact-type adaptive center-alignment device (Linear Contact Adaptive Centering Device, LCACD) that can achieve center alignment for a specific range of shaft diameters. The LCACD is based on an enhanced six-bar mechanism and features a unique rhombus-like structure that generates equivalent forces from each clamping point. To evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed design, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the LCACD. First, the LCACD underwent kinematic analysis, where the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the clamping point were calculated and analyzed to determine its linear range. Then, the adaptability and stability of the LCACD was validated from simulations and clamping experiments. The experimental results show that the LCACD can precisely position shaft-like components within 25%–40% of the total stroke, at a clamping error <1%. Both theoretical and empirical evidence suggests that the LCACD can attain a high degree of adaptability and precision with the use of a simplified control mechanism.