Adjustable Tie Rod Swivel End for Length and Orientation Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tie rod assemblies have limited adjustability, as they either have fixed lengths or only allow for limited adjustments at the ends, which can lead to increased part requirements for different locations and orientations, complicating assembly and installation in various industries.
Innovation Solution
The development of adjustable tie rod assemblies with swivel ends and adjustable lengths, featuring a tie rod body, a coupling feature, a ring, and a bushing, where the ring prevents longitudinal translation of the shaft within the bushing, allowing for multiple orientations and locations without needing multiple parts, and enabling flexible use by combining swivel ends with adjustable lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tie rods with fixed or adjustable lengths are used, then the tie rod structure is simple, but the adaptability to different locations and orientations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tie rod assembly is designed with a swivel end that can rotate about a transverse axis, allowing the same tie rod to be used in multiple orientations and locations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate tie rod variants for different installation scenarios, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel end incorporates a rotating joint that enables dynamic adjustment of the tie rod's orientation. This dynamic capability allows the tie rod to adapt to different angular positions during installation and operation, providing versatility without requiring multiple static configurations or parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different parts are used for different orientations and locations, then the adaptability is improved, but the quantity of parts and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing the tie rod with an integrated swivel end, a single universal part can replace multiple specialized parts that would otherwise be needed for different orientations. This reduces the total quantity of parts while maintaining full adaptability across various installation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel mechanism and the tie rod body are merged into a single integrated assembly. This combination eliminates the need for separate coupling components that would be required if traditional fixed-end tie rods were used in different orientations, thereby reducing part quantity while preserving versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tie rods with spherical bearings are used, then the device complexity is low, but the adjustability at the ends is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel end provides dynamic rotational adjustability that exceeds the limited angular adjustment of spherical bearings. This enhanced adjustability is achieved through a controlled rotating joint that maintains structural integrity while providing superior end adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie rod is segmented into distinct functional zones: the swivel end for rotational adjustment, the threaded portion for length adjustment, and the body for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, providing enhanced adjustability without excessive overall complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable length tie rods are used to accommodate tolerance variations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded portion enables dynamic length adjustment, allowing the tie rod to be precisely configured to accommodate tolerance variations and stack-ups. This dynamic adjustment capability is integrated into the basic tie rod structure, providing adaptability without requiring complex external adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of swivel end and threaded length adjustment creates a universal tie rod that can adapt to both orientational and dimensional variations. This multi-functional design handles both types of adjustability within a single integrated structure, avoiding the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
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
This solution reduces the number of parts needed in assemblies, provides flexibility in use, and allows for precise adjustment of the tie rod assembly's length, accommodating tolerance variations and stack-ups during assembly and installation, enhancing usability across different industries.
Implementation Method 1
The bushing is rotatably coupled to the first region of the first shaft such that the first shaft is free to rotate within the bushing, about the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
The tie rod assembly is configured such that the ring substantially prevents longitudinal translation of the first shaft with respect to the bushing when the first shaft and the ring are positioned within the tie rod body
Implementation Method 3
The bushing comprises an external threaded portion that is configured to engage the first internal threaded portion of the tie rod body, thereby coupling the first coupling feature to the tie rod body
Data Source
AI summary
Tie rod assemblies include a tie rod body, a coupling feature having a shaft, a ring positioned on the shaft, and a bushing rotatably coupled to the shaft. At least a portion of the shaft is positioned within the tie rod body, with an external threaded region of the bushing engaged with an internal threaded portion of the tie rod body to couple the coupling feature to the tie rod body. The ring is sized such that it is configured to prevent longitudinal translation of the coupling feature with respect to the bushing, via engagement with the shaft. The shaft is free to rotate within the bushing and within the tie rod body, to provide a tie rod assembly having a swivel end. The bushing may be rotated to adjust the length of the tie rod assembly. Related methods include assembling and adjusting the length of the tie rod assembly.