Adjustable Tie-Rod Assembly for Length Versatility and Lower Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of numerous tie-rod assemblies with different lengths for aircraft construction incurs significant engineering design, fabrication, and material costs, and the use of heavy materials like steel for strength compromises weight reduction and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A tie-rod assembly design featuring a tube member with adjustable length through threaded clevis coupling assemblies, allowing for adjustable length without the need for multiple assemblies, using lighter materials like aluminum to meet compression load requirements while minimizing weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tie-rod assemblies of different lengths are fabricated to accommodate various length requirements, then the length adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-rod assembly uses a universal tube member with threaded ends that can accommodate multiple clevis coupling assemblies of different lengths. This allows a single tube member design to serve multiple length requirements by simply changing the clevis coupling assembly, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple tube member variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie-rod assembly is divided into separate components: a tube member with threaded ends and multiple interchangeable clevis coupling assemblies. This segmentation allows the length-adjustable function to be achieved through component combination rather than manufacturing complete assemblies of different lengths, reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Strength
If heavy materials like steel are used to meet compression load requirements, then the strength is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-rod assembly combines aluminum tube member with steel clevis coupling assemblies, creating a composite structure that leverages the lightweight properties of aluminum for the main body while using high-strength steel for the load-critical coupling components. This composite approach achieves required compression strength while minimizing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The design applies different material properties to different parts of the assembly: aluminum for the tube member where weight reduction is prioritized, and steel for the clevis coupling assemblies where compression load strength is critical. This local differentiation of material quality optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio.
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous tie-rod assemblies of different lengths are produced, then the length adaptability is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal tube member design can serve multiple length requirements when combined with different clevis coupling assemblies. This universality reduces the number of unique part numbers and manufacturing setups required, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining length adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the length-adjustability function into the clevis coupling assembly rather than requiring different tube member lengths. This consolidation allows the tube member to be standardized while the length variation is achieved through the interchangeable clevis assemblies, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A tie-rod assembly includes a tube member having a first set of threads at a first end of the tube member and a second set of threads at a second end of the tube member. The tie-rod assembly includes a first clevis coupling assembly having a first width dimension and a third set of threads compatible with first set of threads and first clevis coupling assembly has a second width dimension which includes a portion of the third set of threads with the second width dimension greater than the first width dimension. Further included is second clevis coupling assembly having a third width dimension and a fourth set of threads compatible with second set of threads and the second clevis coupling assembly has a fourth width dimension which includes a portion of the fourth set of threads with the fourth width dimension greater than the third width dimension.