Analyses of peg‐hole jamming in automatic assembly machines

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate theoretically the process of jamming in the peg‐hole type parts and to derive a mathematical model of jamming. Design/methodology/approach The mathematical model of the jamming of the peg‐hole type parts in assembly process was performed and its boundary conditions, which lead to jamming, defined. Findings The equation of the critical angles of declination for the peg, which leads to the peg‐hole jam, was derived. The boundary condition of the angles of declination and the depth of the peg insertion into the hole were defined. Research limitations/implications A mathematical model is developed for rigid parts with a hole and for the peg clamped in the rigid assembly mechanisms. The research has not considered flexible deformations and stiffness of the assembly mechanisms, which result in the peg's declination in the assembly process. Practical implications The results are represented in the form of the peg's critical angles of declination and critical depth of insertion into the hole, which leads to jamming of the peg‐hole type parts to be assembled. On the basis of the obtained results, it is possible to formulate the tolerances of the declination angles for the assembly mechanisms, which clamp the peg‐type parts. Originality/value The proposed method calculating the critical angles of the peg's declination and critical depth of the peg's insertion into the hole for assembly of the peg‐hole type parts, enables one to increase the reliability of the assembly process in the manufacturing industry.