Adjustable Connecting Rod with Continuous Length Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable connecting rods have discrete length adjustments, requiring misalignment and complex, expensive manufacturing processes, making them unsatisfactory for continuous adjustment and practical application.
Innovation Solution
A length-adjustable connecting rod with a combination of a helical connection and pivot connection, allowing continuous adjustment while maintaining angular position, and a locking device for secure attachment, enabling continuous length adjustment without misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a threaded rod is screwed into a bore to adjust the yoke's length, then the connecting rod can be adjusted in length, but the adjustment is discrete and requires rotating the threaded rod half a turn, resulting in non-continuous adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
A wedge-shaped intermediate piece is introduced between the threaded rod and the yoke. This intermediary converts the rotational movement of the threaded rod into continuous linear adjustment of the yoke's position along the longitudinal axis, eliminating the discrete half-turn adjustment steps of conventional threaded rod mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the threaded rod is rotated to adjust the connecting rod length, then the length can be changed, but the angular position of the yoke changes, requiring misalignment of the connecting rod body
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped intermediate piece acts as a mediator that decouples the rotational adjustment motion from the angular orientation of the yoke. As the threaded rod rotates, the wedge converts this rotation into linear motion along the longitudinal axis while the pivot joint maintains the yoke's angular position, eliminating the need for misalignment during adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the threaded rod for rotation, the wedge-shaped intermediate piece for motion conversion, and the pivot joint for angular position maintenance. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling continuous length adjustment without affecting the angular alignment of the connecting rod body.
3Manufacturing precision
If existing continuously adjustable connecting rods are designed to allow continuous adjustment, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the device becomes complex and expensive with non-conventional manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges conventional mechanical elements (threaded rod, wedge, pivot joint) into a unified adjustment mechanism that achieves continuous adjustment. This combination of simple, conventional components avoids the complexity and high manufacturing costs associated with specialized continuously adjustable connecting rods while maintaining continuous adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the operational parameters of conventional components: the threaded rod provides continuous rotation rather than discrete turns, the wedge converts this continuous rotation into continuous linear motion, and the pivot joint maintains continuous angular stability. This parameter transformation enables continuous adjustment using standard manufacturing processes.
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 continuous and precise length adjustment of the connecting rod, improving usability and reducing manufacturing complexity, making it more practical and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a helical joint L2 between the intermediate part and the clevis, the helical linkage being configured to allow translation of the clevis along a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the adjustable connecting rod when the intermediate part is rotated by a user around the pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
a pivot joint L1 between the intermediate part and the connecting rod body, the pivot linkage being configured to allow maintenance of an angular position of the clevis around the pivot axis when the intermediate part is rotated around the pivot axis
Data Source
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AI summary
- Connecting rod with continuous length adjustment. - The adjustable connecting rod (1) comprises an adjustment device (2) for adjusting the length of the adjustable connecting rod and a connecting rod body (3). The adjustment device includes at least one clevis (4) for attaching the adjustable connecting rod to an element and an intermediate piece (5) connecting the clevis to the connecting rod body between a pivot joint (L1) and a helical joint (L2). The combination of the pivot joint and the helical joint implemented by the intermediate piece allows for continuous adjustment of the length of the adjustable connecting rod.