Adjustable Linking Member for Thermal Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Securing components with different coefficients of thermal expansion in high-temperature environments, such as aircraft components, is challenging due to varying rates of expansion and contraction, which can lead to limited positional precision and vibration resistance.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable mounting method using a linking member with a variable portion that can be selectively heated or cooled to accommodate the thermal expansion differences between components, allowing for precise adjustment of the attachment points to prevent damage from unwanted contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional rigid attachment methods are used to secure components with different coefficients of thermal expansion, then the attachment provides structural strength, but the attachment fails to accommodate thermal expansion differences leading to stress and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidaccommodation of thermal expansion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The linking member incorporates a variable portion that can dynamically change its dimensional characteristics in response to thermal expansion differences between components. This dynamic adjustment allows the attachment to maintain reliability while adapting to temperature-induced dimensional changes, resolving the contradiction between rigid structural strength and thermal adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state or dimensional parameters of the linking member to accommodate thermal expansion. By modifying the linking member's characteristics (such as its length or cross-section) in response to temperature changes, the system maintains both structural integrity and thermal adaptability, resolving the contradiction between rigid attachment and expansion accommodation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If slotted holes and flexures are introduced to accommodate thermal expansion, then adaptability to thermal changes is improved, but positional precision and vibration resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal expansion accommodationVSAvoidpositional precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The variable portion of the linking member provides dynamic adjustment capability that maintains positional precision while accommodating thermal expansion. Unlike static flexures or slotted holes, the variable portion can actively adapt its characteristics to maintain both precision and thermal adaptability, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If traditional attachment methods are used, then device complexity is minimized, but the attachment cannot provide both rigidity and thermal adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment structure complexityVSAvoidthermal expansion adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The linking member is segmented into a fixed portion and a variable portion, each serving distinct functions. The fixed portion provides structural rigidity while the variable portion provides thermal adaptability. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both rigidity and thermal adjustment without excessive overall complexity, as each segment is optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 method provides a rigid and precise attachment while accommodating thermal expansion differences, preventing damage to components and maintaining positional stability across temperature fluctuations.

Implementation Method 1

components having different coefficients of thermal expansion will expand and contract at different rates in response to temperature fluctuations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

components having different coefficients of thermal expansion will expand and contract at different rates in response to temperature fluctuations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Implementation Method 3

selectively adjusting by heating the variable portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 4

selectively adjusting by cooling the variable portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentUS10233954B2Method and assembly for attaching components

Publication Date: 2019.03.19 RTX CORP

AI summary

An exemplary method of adjustably mounting a first component to a second component includes, among other things, securing the first component to the second component with a linking member, and selectively adjusting the temperature of a variable portion of the linking member to change a size of the linking member.