DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION
[01] The present disclosure relates to a system and a method for joining parts and more particularly relates to the system and the method for joining circular parts to form a component.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[02] Generally, various factors are considered for determining the joining method to be used for joining parts of a component such as shape of the parts, time required for joining, attaching methods available, etc. The component is a single unit that may comprise of at least two parts namely first part, second part, etc. The method used for joining multiple parts may be from welding method, riveting method, adhesive joining method, etc. Generally, when the two parts are joined, one part is used as base or reference and the other part is joined to it. The shape of the first part, particularly non-regular, aids in determining reference or contours and accordingly the second part is oriented or aligned based on the first part contours or references. However, such approach doesn’t result in effective outcome when the parts are regular shaped parts i.e., in the form of closed conic sections particularly circular parts.

[03] Currently, the methodology followed for joining a regular shaped parts includes placing the first part onto the second part, however, this method poses drawbacks in the form of proper alignment, orientation concern, etc., of the parts. These drawbacks are due to unclear references or contours for determining the alignment or orientation between the two parts. Such an issue becomes more severe when the component is mounted on a third object such as on vehicle, as it does not provide accurate orientation of the parts which may lead to various concerns such as misalignment, styling faults, etc. Further, when a circular first part is placed over a circular second part having any indentations or markings for example, logo or brand names and there is slight deviation with respect to orientation or alignment of any of the circular part then that will lead to rejection of the final component in the quality checks. Also, it causes impact on brand image of the company if such a misaligned component reaches to customers, for e.g., in the form a decal or logo attached on a vehicle’s surface. Hence, in order to overcome these issues, the measures followed currently include using highly skilled labor, high time consumption for doing such a job, etc. However, taking such measures doesn’t guarantee that every product formed by highly skilled labor and giving good amount of time will be an error free product.

[04] Generally, the design of a component is based on market requirement and styling, and in some scenarios it is required to make decal or logo which has one part made of one material and another part of different material. In such instance, the component may be formed by joining the two different parts. The component or product formed by joining parts may be in the form of a vehicle logo or mark or decal, which is attached on the vehicle using various methods and systems. With the rapid growing vehicle popularity of renowned brands, there should be adequate supply (production) of vehicle to the market in order to meet the demand and maintain the market capture of that brand. Hence, the component in the form of decal or logo attached on the vehicle should be same in every single case i.e., any deviation from the alignment of parts of the component is unacceptable.

[05] Another common challenge faced in the subject field is complex design of tools which are used for joining the parts into a single unit.

[06] To avoid the above cited challenges, the joining of the two parts should happen at optimized pace and the orientation of the parts into the final component (for e.g., decal or logo) should be such that the two parts are attached accurately. Further, there is a need to reduce dependency on highly skilled labor and to the time spent for the joining of the parts. Furthermore, there is a need to provide error-free joining of the parts of the components every time.
[07] Therefore, there is a need for an improved system and method for accurate aligning and joining of the parts of the component. Further, there is a need to provide a joining tool addressing the above cited problems relating to improper joining, misaligned parts, high attaching time, highly skilled labor requirement, complex design and high manufacturing cost.

[08] Moreover, there exists a need for a system for aligning and joining the two parts of the decal, which obviates the abovementioned drawbacks and provides an easy maintenance, simple and cost-effective arrangement. Supplementing to the solution offered, the improved joining tool will provide a smooth and less time-consuming process for joining the two parts of the logo or decal.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[09] In light of the aforementioned, it is an object the present disclosure to provide a system and a method for aligning and joining parts to form a component.

[010] Another object of the disclosure is to provide a simple, compact and cost-effective system and method for aligning and joining the parts.

[011] Still another object of the disclosure is to provide an accurate, quick, and low-cost joining system and method.

[012] A further object of the disclosure is to provide a system and a method for precisely joining the parts of the component.

[013] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a tool for aligning and joining of the parts to form the component.

[014] Still another object of the disclosure is to overcome shortcomings of the existing systems and methods explained in the background section.
SUMMARY
[015] With these objectives in view, the present disclosure provides a system for joining parts to form a component comprising:
a base fixture comprising:
at least a locator configured to orient at least a first part of the component;
a magnetic holder configured to mount at least a second part of the component;
wherein the magnetic holder is provided with an alignment means configured to align the position of second part of the component with respect to the first part of the component and a joining means configured for joining the first part with the second part of the component in the aligned position.

[016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first part and the second part of the components are substantially circular in shape and the second part of the component is concentrically aligned to the first part of the component.

[017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the locator provided on the base fixture includes at least two locating pins and the first part is provided with corresponding engaging means to engage with the locating pins for the orientation of the first part with respect to the second part.

[018] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the alignment means includes a plurality of protruded impressions configured to match with corresponding depressions provided on the second part of the component.

[019] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the base fixture is provided with a plurality of guides and the corresponding plurality of slots, facilitating guiding the motion of the magnetic holder in vertical direction.

[020] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of the guides and the slots are provided with a plurality of springs facilitating movement of the magnetic holder in vertical direction wherein, the plurality of springs having a lower end fixed in the base fixture and an upper end fixed to the magnetic holder.

[021] According to an embodiment of present disclosure, the first part of the component is in the form of an outer circular plate having a hollow portion in the central area.

[022] According to an embodiment of present disclosure, the second part of the component is in the form of an inner decal plate.

[023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second part includes a front side provided with at least letter of a brand name and a back side having corresponding depressions.

[024] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least first part or the second part is provided with adhesive for joining with each other.

[025] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second part of the component is made up of a magnetically active material.

[026] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the component formed by joining the two parts, is configured to be mounted on an engine clutch cover of a vehicle.

[027] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system for joining parts includes a pressing ram connected with a handle, wherein the handle is operated to press the second part onto the first part of the component.

[028] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the system comprises a pressing ram connected with a handle, wherein the handle is operated to press the second part onto the first part of the component through the pressing ram.

[029] According to yet another embodiment, a method for joining parts to form a component comprising:
holding a first part of the component on a base fixture, wherein at least a locator configured for facilitating in orientation of the first part on the base fixture;
mounting a second part of the component on a magnetic holder, wherein the magnetic holder is provided with an alignment means to properly align the second part with respect to the first part of the component.
[030] According to yet another embodiment, a back side of the second part is provided with depressions that aids in accurate alignment with the alignment means of the magnetic holder.

[031] According to yet another embodiment, a pressing force is applied on the second part, wherein the second part is provided with adhesive tape which aids in joining the first part with the second part in the aligned position.

[032] According to yet another embodiment, a handle connected to a pressing ram may be provided to apply the pressing force on the second part.

[033] According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the system and the method for joining parts to form the component is employed to join circular parts of the component, having proper alignment and orientations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[034] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure are now described, by way of example only with reference to the accompanied drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements.

[035] Figs. 1a and 1b illustrate an exemplary representation of an exploded frontal view and isometric view of a joining system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[036] Figs. 2a and 2b illustrate an exemplary representation of a top view of a base fixture and parts on the base fixture, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[037] Fig. 2c illustrates an exemplary representation of a magnetic holder of the base fixture, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[038] Fig. 3a illustrates an exemplary representation of a front plane view of the system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[039] Fig. 3b illustrates an exemplary representation of the parts on the base fixture as shown in Fig. 3a, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[040] Fig. 4 illustrates a schematic representation of front view of the Fig. 3b of the system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 - System
102 - Base fixture
104 - Plurality of locating pins
106 - Magnetic holder
106a - Recess
108 - First part
110 - Second part
110a - Front side
110b - Back side
112 - Plurality of springs
112a - Lower end
112b - Upper end
114 - Plurality of slots
116 - Plurality of guides
118 - Plurality of slots
120 - Plurality of holes
122 - Alignment means
300 - Joining tool
302 - Handle
304 - Press ram
306 - Base fixture
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[041] A preferred embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.

[042] It will be readily understood that components of present invention as generally described and illustrated in figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure as represented in the figures is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure but is merely representative of certain examples of presently contemplated embodiments in accordance with the disclosure. The presently described embodiments will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.

[043] Referring to Fig.1a to 2c, illustrate a system 100 for aligning and joining at least two parts to form a component according to an embodiment of present disclosure. The system 100 comprises of a base fixture 102 provided with at least a locator in the form of two locating pins (104) and a magnetic holder 106. The two parts of the component comprises of a first part 108 and a second part 110 which are substantially circular in shape. The first part 108 of the component is provided with engaging means. The engaging means are in the form of holes 120. The plurality of locating pins 104 and correspondingly engaging means 120 facilitate in orienting and engaging the first part 108 onto the base fixture 102. The magnetic holder 106 is attached with the base fixture 102 utilizing a plurality of springs 112. The plurality of springs 112 are provided with lower end 112a and upper end 112b, wherein the lower end 112a of the springs are fixed in a plurality of slots 114 provided in the base fixture 102 and the upper end 112b is fixed to recess 106a provided in the magnetic holder 106. Further, the base fixture 102 is provided with plurality of guides 116 and correspondingly the base fixture 102 is provided with plurality of slots 118, facilitating guiding motion of the magnetic holder 106 in vertical direction with respect to the base fixture 102. Additionally, the present arrangement between the magnetic holder 106 and the base fixture 102 is such that the magnetic holder 106 remains attached to the base fixture 102.

[044] The first part 108 is in the form of circular outer plate and the second part 110 is in the form of decal inner plate. Further, the second part 110 of the component is concentrically aligned to the first part 108. The first part 108 is provided with engaging means in the form of plurality of holes 120 for orienting the first part 108 with respect to the plurality of locating pins 104 provided on the base fixture 102. Preferably, the plurality of locating pins 104 are diametrically opposite pins. The second part 110 includes a front side 110a provided with at least letter of a brand name and a back side 110b provided with corresponding depressions. The impression aids in alignment of the second part 110 on the magnetic holder 106 of the base fixture 102. Further, a joining means including a handle 302 (explained later) and an adhesive tape (not shown) is provided for joining the first part 108 with the second part 110 of the component. Further, the second part 110 is provided with the adhesive tape on the back side 110b for fixing the second part 110 with the first part 108. As shown in Figs. 2a to 2c, the base fixture 102 comprises of at least the locator in the form of plurality of locating pins 104 and the magnetic holder 106. The magnetic holder 106 is provided with is provided with alignment means 122 in the form of plurality of protruded impressions. The shape of the protruded impressions of the alignment means122 may be derived from the corresponding shape of the depressions provided on the back side 110b of the second part 110.

[045] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first part 108 and second part 110 of the component are made up of two different materials. In current scenario, the second part 110 is made from a magnetically active material i.e., paramagnetic or ferromagnetic material. The second part 110 may be comprising of elemental metals such as iron, nickel, cobalt, etc. Therefore, the second part 110 gets easily attracted towards the magnetic holder 106 citing its magnetic nature and gets accurately aligned citing the depressions matched with the alignment means 122. The final product is in the form of the component which is having properly aligned two parts that are also concentric in the current case.

[046] Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b illustrate a joining tool 300 for aligning and joining parts to form a component, according to an embodiment of present disclosure. The joining tool 300 comprises of a handle 302, a press ram 304 and a base fixture 306. The handle 302 is operated by the operator and the press ram 304 presses the second part 110 onto the first part 108 placed on the base fixture 306.

[047] Further, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is provided for aligning and joining the parts of the component. The first part 108 of the component is placed on the base fixture 102, and the locating pins 104 aligns the diametrically opposite holes 120 provided on the first part 108. The second part 110 of the component is mounted on the magnetic holder 106. Further, the magnetic holder 106 provided with alignment means 122 is configured to accurately align the depressions provided on the back side 110b of the second part 110 with respect to the alignment means 122 provided on the magnetic holder 106. A joining means including a handle 302 and an adhesive tape (not shown), is provided for joining the first part 108 with the second part 110 of the component. The back side 110b of the second part 110 is provided with the adhesive tape. Subsequently, pressing force through the handle 302 is applied on the second part 110 and the first part 108 placed on the base fixture 306. The first part 108 and the second part 110 pressed downward leading to downward transcend of the magnetic holder 106 and hence, joining the first part 108 with the second part 110 with the help of the adhesive tape. Once the pressing force is removed, the press ram 304 is retracted back (in upward direction). The plurality of springs 112 are provided under the magnetic holder 106 pushes the magnetic holder 106 back to the original position and the joined component may be pulled out of the base fixture 102 automatically.

[048] Referring to Fig. 4, illustrating front view of the Fig. 3b corresponding to the system 100 for joining the parts to form the component, according to an embodiment of present disclosure. The component placed on the base fixture 306 comprises of the first part 108 and a second part 110. The first part 108 is preferably a circular outer plate and the second part 110 is preferably a decal inner plate. The outer circular plate 108 is having a hollow portion in the central area and two holes 120 located at diametrically opposite positions. The plurality of holes 120 of the circular outer plate 108 may be provided to correspondingly orient and engage the first part 108 in the plurality of pins 104 provided on the base fixture 306. The second part 110 is subsequently placed on the first part 108, and the second part 110 is provided with adhesive tape on the back side 110b. Thereafter the press ram 304 presses the second part 110 on the first part 108 and the two parts get joined with the help of the adhesive tape between the first part 108 and the second part 110. The component formed by joining the first part 108 with the second part 110 is configured to be mounted on an engine clutch cover of a vehicle (not shown).

[049] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system and method is applicable to a non-concentric, non-circular and non-uniform component which may require the joining of the at least two parts.

[050] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in respect as illustrative and not restrictive.

[051] Although the exemplary forms of the present disclosure have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.
,CLAIMS:1. A system (100) for joining parts to form a component comprising:
a base fixture (102) comprising:
at least a locator configured to orient at least a first part (108) of the component;
a magnetic holder (106) configured to mount at least a second part (110) of the component;
wherein the magnetic holder (106) is provided with an alignment means (122) configured to align the position of second part (110) of the component with respect to the first part (108) and a joining means configured to join the first part (108) with the second part (110) in the aligned position to form the component.

2. The system (100) for joining parts as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first part (108) and the second part (110) of the component are substantially circular in shape and the second part (110) of the component is concentrically aligned to the first (108) part of the component.

3. The system (100) for joining parts as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locator provided on the base fixture (102) includes at least two locating pins (104).

4. The system (100) for joining parts as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first part (108) is provided with corresponding engaging means (120) to engage with the locating pins (104) for the orientation of the first part (108) with respect to the second part (110).

5. The system (100) for joining parts as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alignment means (122) includes a plurality of protruded impressions configured to match with corresponding depressions provided on the second part (110).

6. The system (100) for joining parts as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base fixture (102) includes a plurality of guides (116) and corresponding plurality of slots (118), facilitating the motion of the magnetic holder (106) in vertical direction.
7. The system (100) for joining parts as claimed in claim 7, wherein the magnetic holder (106) is attached with the base fixture (102) using a plurality of springs (112) facilitating movement of the magnetic holder (106) in vertical direction wherein, the plurality of springs (112) having a lower end (112a) fixed in the base fixture (102) and an upper end (112b) fixed to the magnetic holder (106).

8. The system (100) for joining parts as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first part (108) of the component is in the form of an outer circular plate having a hollow portion in the central area.

9. The system (100) for joining parts as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second part (110) of the component is in the form of an inner decal plate.

10. The system (100) for joining parts as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second part (110) includes a front side (110a) provided with at least letters of a brand name and a back side having corresponding depressions.

11. The system (100) for joining parts as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least first part (108) or the second part (110) is provided with adhesive for joining with each other.

12. The system (100) for joining parts as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second part (110) of the component is made up of a magnetically active material.

13. The system (100) for joining parts as claimed in claim 1, wherein the component formed by joining the two parts (108, 110), is configured to be mounted on an engine clutch cover of a vehicle.
14. The system (100) for joining parts as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises a pressing ram (304) connected with a handle (302), wherein the handle (302) is operated to press the second part (110) onto the first part (108) of the component through the pressing ram (304).

15. A method for joining parts to form a component comprising:
holding a first part (108) of the component on a base fixture (102), wherein at least a locator configured for facilitating in orientation of the first part (108) on the base fixture (102);
mounting a second part (110) of the component on a magnetic holder (106);
aligning the second part (110) on the magnetic holder (106) by an alignment means (122) to properly align the second part (110) with respect to the first part (108) of the component.
16. The method for joining parts as claimed in claim 15, wherein the method includes:
applying pressing force using a pressing ram (304) on the second part (110), wherein the second part (110) includes adhesive tape for joining with the first part (108) in the aligned position.