Adjustable Transverse Connector for Tolerance and Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aircraft interiors, existing connecting devices fail to compensate for manufacturing-induced position tolerances and accommodate thermal expansion of components like electric bus bars, leading to mechanical stresses due to rigid mounting.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device featuring a tubular section with radial cutouts and a locking insert that expands to engage with grooves, allowing adjustable positioning and flexibility, using a locking rod to provide a form-fit connection, enabling tolerance compensation and thermal expansion management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid holders are used to mount components, then manufacturing precision is improved, but thermal expansion causes mechanical stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The locking insert can be moved axially along the tubular section to different positions, and the locking mechanism allows for position changes to accommodate thermal expansion while maintaining secure mounting. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing both precision positioning and stress relief through adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changing the mounting position parameter along the tubular section. By providing multiple possible positions for the locking insert and enabling easy repositioning, the system can adapt to dimensional changes caused by thermal expansion, thus reducing mechanical stresses while maintaining secure attachment.
2Ease of operation
If adjustable positioning is provided to compensate for tolerances, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into distinct functional segments: the tubular section with grooves, the locking insert with locking teeth, and the locking rod mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while enabling complex positioning adjustments. The modular structure reduces complexity compared to a monolithic adjustable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking insert acts as an intermediary between the tubular section and the locking rod. It translates the linear motion of the locking rod into positional adjustments along the tubular section, and provides the locking function through engagement with the grooves. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall system by breaking down the complex adjustment and locking functions into manageable steps.
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 2c~2f
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A connecting device (2) for a variable-position transverse connection of two components comprises a tubular section (4), a locking insert (12), and a locking rod (8), wherein the tubular section has a radial cutout and a plurality of first grooves (28) on an inner tubular surface, wherein the insert comprises two opposed lateral sides and a connection side arranged between the lateral sides, wherein the insert is expandable from a neutral state into a locking state, wherein in the neutral state a distance between the two lateral sides is smaller than in the locking state, wherein the insert comprises locking teeth on at least one of the lateral sides directly facing the inner tubular surface when inserted into the tubular section, wherein the insert is designed to be axially movable along the tubular section in the neutral state and to engage the first grooves in the locking state, wherein the insert comprises a recess on the connection side that is alignable with the radial cutout when inserted into the tubular section, and wherein the locking rod comprises a locking head insertable into the recess through the radial cutout to selectively expand the insert and to selectively provide a form-fit connection with the locking head.