This paper addresses the issue of over-constrained assembly in mechanical designs using hole-pin patterns. When two hole-pin pairs are used, they can cause interference between components, leading to assembly failures. To mitigate this, designers often enlarge holes relative to pins to have a large float. However, when functional requirements do not permit significant float, field design engineers tend to add more assembly features, hoping them to mutually limit the float allowed by others. This numerical study employed two commercial tolerance analysis programs to demonstrate that these design changes could not sufficiently reduce float to justify added costs. Instead, this paper proposed an exactly-constrained design by replacing one of the holes with an elongated hole. Numerical analysis showed that this approach significantly reduced float compared to current design practices. This paper logically explains why this must be the case. It is hoped that this study contributes to the advancement of mechanical assembly design practices by adopting the exact constraint concep.

In order to help design engineers to adopt the Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T), this paper develops a stepby-step method for tolerance design based on the function of the product and its parts. The procedure of this method consists of (1) analysis of functions using Key Characteristics (KC) and Datum Flow Chain (DFC), (2) selection of datum features, and (3) the selection of geometric tolerance types based on the functions. The rules and guidelines for the two latter steps are given and explained in detail, in order that the design engineer can understand the reasons for the rules and use them effectively. The method presented in this paper differs from other previous work, as it is based on the functions, whereas we note that previous work typically focuses on the automation of the tolerancing task without due consideration of functions. The paper also illustrates the developed method through two case studies: an axle-wheel assembly model and a simplified refrigerator model. This geometric tolerance design method is not complete yet in the coverage of various tolerances, e.g. size tolerances and profile, but may assist the beginning design engineer developing a mastery over GD&T.

Mechanical designers often make mistakes that result in unwanted over-constraints, causing difficulty in assembly operations and residual stress due to interference among parts. This study is concerned with detection and elimination of over-constraints. Screw theory is a general method that is used for constraint analysis of an assembly and motion analysis of a mechanism. Mechanical assemblies with plane-plane, pin-hole, and pin-slot constraint pairs are analyzed using screw theory to illustrate its utility. As a real-world problem, a ball valve design is analyzed using the same method, and several unwanted over-constraints are detected. Elimination measures are proposed. Nominal dimensions of some parts are adjusted, and dimensions and tolerances of the pins and holes are modified using the virtual condition boundary concept. The revised design is free of over-constraints. General procedure for applying screw theory to constraint analysis is established and demonstrated; it will contribute to improving quality of assembly designs.

The central seam, the vertical ‘line’ between doors, in the front view of a refrigerator must have its gap and flush within certain ranges to meet functional and aesthetic requirements. The conventional criteria for gap and flush control in the industry are to keep the gap and flush within certain ranges at each of various points along the seam. For aesthetics, however, the uniformity of the gap is also as important because a ‘tapered’ seam is negatively perceived by human eyes. This paper shows a case study of tolerance design for a refrigerator door system. It presents a step-by-step procedure, which consists of datum flow chain analysis, identification of assembly features, computer modeling of feature tolerances, assembly operations and measurements, tolerance simulation, and tolerance adjustments based on the simulation results. It is found that extra care may need to be used to satisfy the aesthetical criterion for gap uniformity.