Adjustable Gib Shim With Threaded Dowel Gap Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of machining gib keys and blocks to achieve a specific gap is time-consuming and labor-intensive, as it requires iterative measurement and machining to accommodate different operational stages and thermal expansion, making it difficult to adjust the gap efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable gib shim system featuring a first member with a tapered surface and a second member with a corresponding tapered surface, along with an externally threaded dowel that engages an internally threaded hole, allowing for relative sliding movement to adjust the gap between the members by rotating the dowel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If iterative machining is used to achieve the desired gap, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gap adjustment capability is built into the gib key design through the threaded dowel mechanism during manufacturing, eliminating the need for iterative post-manufacturing adjustments. The preliminary action of incorporating the adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction by achieving precision without repeated machining cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The gib key transitions from a static, fixed-gap component to a dynamic, adjustable-gap component through the threaded dowel mechanism. This allows the gap to be modified as needed without remachining, resolving the time loss associated with iterative precision adjustments
2Manufacturing precision
If iterative machining is used to achieve the desired gap, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is incorporated during initial manufacturing, simplifying the overall process by eliminating complex iterative machining operations. The preliminary inclusion of the threaded dowel resolves the contradiction by reducing process complexity while maintaining precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If the gib key is machined to accommodate different operational stages, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gib key becomes a dynamic component with adjustable gap capability through the threaded dowel mechanism, allowing adaptation to different operational stages without time-consuming remachining. This resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability while maintaining high installation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The gap parameter can be easily changed by rotating the threaded dowel, allowing the gib key to adapt to different operational requirements. This simple parameter adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing versatility without sacrificing productivity
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
Enables easy and precise adjustment of the gap without complex machining, reducing time and labor, and allowing for changes in gap length based on different operational requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an externally threaded dowel configured to engage an internally threaded hole in the second member. The externally threaded member is also configured to contact the first member. Rotation of the externally threaded dowel adjusts a distance spanned by the first member and second member
Implementation Method 2
The first tapered surface is configured to cooperate with the second tapered surface, and rotation of the externally threaded dowel causes relative sliding movement between the first tapered surface and the second tapered surface to thereby adjust a gap between the second member and a second structure
Data Source
AI summary
An article of manufacture includes a first member configured to be attached to a first support structure, a second member configured to be attached to the first member, and an externally threaded dowel configured to engage an internally threaded hole in the second member. The externally threaded member is also configured to contact the first member. Rotation of the externally threaded dowel adjusts a distance spanned by the first member and second member.