Adjustable Connection Rod With Reactive Locking for High Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft connection rods face limitations in load capability, adjustability, and corrosion resistance, with threaded designs compromising between strength and adjustability, and requiring extensive tooling and space for installation, leading to increased costs and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A connection rod design featuring a first and second connection element with a fluid barrier that reacts to form a solid material upon mixing, allowing for adjustable length without a threaded shaft, reducing tooling requirements and susceptibility to corrosion, and enabling higher loading capacity and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If threaded connection rods are used to achieve adjustability, then the connection rod can compensate for dimensional variations, but the load capability is limited by the strength of the threaded engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threaded shaft entirely from the connection rod design. Instead of using threads for adjustment, the invention uses a sliding mechanism where the first connection element slides within the hollow casing of the second connection element. This extraction of the threaded component eliminates the weakness of thread engagement while preserving adjustability through direct linear movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical threaded engagement system with a sliding mechanism combined with chemical bonding. The reactive fluid materials are injected to create a bond between the sliding components, substituting the weak mechanical thread connection with a stronger chemical bond while maintaining the ability to adjust position before bonding.
2Strength
If larger, stronger threads with coarser pitch are used to increase load strength, then the load capability improves, but the degree of adjustability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes the threaded shaft that limited adjustability. Without threads, there is no pitch constraint on adjustment increments. The sliding mechanism allows continuous adjustment to any position within the hollow casing, enabling fine adjustments in 0.01mm increments or smaller, while the reactive fluid bond provides the necessary strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If threaded shafts are used for adjustment, then adjustability is achieved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates due to susceptibility of threaded portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threaded shaft component that is prone to corrosion. The sliding mechanism uses smooth surfaces within the hollow casing that are easier to protect from corrosion. Additionally, the reactive fluid materials create a bonded connection that seals the interface, reducing exposure to corrosive environments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If threaded connection rods are used, then adjustability is achieved, but installation time and costs increase due to extensive tooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical threading operation with a sliding operation followed by injection of reactive fluid materials. The sliding action requires no special tooling, and the reactive fluid injection uses simple dispensing equipment. This eliminates the need for torque wrenches, thread cleaners, and other specialized threading tools, significantly reducing installation time and tooling costs.
5Adaptability or versatility
If threaded connection rods are used, then adjustability is achieved, but device complexity increases due to threaded shafts and check nuts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threaded shaft and check nuts from the design. The adjustment mechanism is simplified to a sliding connection where the first connection element moves linearly within the hollow casing. The reactive fluid materials provide the locking function that previously required check nuts, eliminating unnecessary components and simplifying the overall structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances strength, adjustability, and corrosion resistance, reducing installation time and costs, while allowing for more compact installations and reduced risk of damage to adjacent components, thus improving the connection rod's performance and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the reactive fluid materials may mix between the fluid reservoirs and react to form a reacted solid material
Data Source
AI summary
A connection rod comprising first and second connection elements. The first element comprises a shaft, a first connector at a shaft proximal end and a piercing body at a shaft distal end. The second element comprises a hollow casing with a fluid barrier therein, which, when intact, forms first and second reactive fluid material reservoirs, both within the casing. The second connection element comprises a second proximal end connector and a distal end inlet hole to the second reservoir. The piercing body fits within the casing and the shaft slidably engages the inlet hole such that the first element slides relative to the second element. The piercing body pierces the fluid barrier such that the reactive fluid materials mix between the reservoirs and react to form a reacted solid material restraining the piercing body within the casing to prevent relative sliding between the first and the second connection elements.