Intended Use
The Compensator is intended to be used in "peg-in-hole"-type operations in the vertical orientation. The "peg-in-hole" example is an application involving the insertion of one part into another. There are a variety of "peg-in-hole"-type applications that include: dowel pin insertion, mold alignment, washer insertion, the insertion of bearings into housings, and the insertion of shafts into bearings. If the Compensator is used in the horizontal orientation, over time, the shear pads will develop sag. Rubber and most rubber-like materials have memorization characteristics. Over time, the rubber material memorizes the repeated position and will return to this position. When this occurs, the shear pads have developed sag. Use of the lock-up option is recommended to prevent shear pad sag.
Contact Force
Excessive contact force is the main problem in many assembly applications. Excessive contact force causes galling, jamming, and broken parts. During typical assembly processes, there are three main contact forces: single-point, sliding, and two-point (see figure below). The key to reducing single-point or sliding contact force is to use a compliance device with low lateral stiffness. Two-point contact force is reduced by a compliance device with a low cocking stiffness.