Aircraft Component Alignment Adjustor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft assembly processes face challenges in achieving precision alignment between components, which affects manufacturing quality, speed, and costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of an adjustor assembly that includes a base with a first track, an upper housing with a second track, a slider movably coupled to both tracks, and an actuator to move the slider linearly. This configuration allows the upper housing to move between different operating positions relative to the base, enabling precise adjustment and alignment of aircraft components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional aircraft assembly processes are used, then manufacturing costs and time are reduced, but alignment accuracy between components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manual alignment methods with an automated mechanical adjustment system. The actuator-driven slider mechanism automatically positions the upper housing relative to the base along precision tracks, eliminating manual measurement and adjustment operations while achieving high alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a slider as an intermediary component between the actuator and the upper housing. This slider moves along precision tracks and translates actuator motion into controlled positional adjustments of the upper housing, serving as a mediator that enables precise alignment while maintaining assembly efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a base with first track, an upper housing with second track, a slider, and an actuator. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve precise alignment, managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment capabilities where the upper housing can be positioned at multiple locations along the tracks. The system transitions from static fixed-position assembly to dynamic adjustable-position assembly, enabling precision alignment while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If precision alignment tools are introduced, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-aligning through the complementary tapered profiles. As the slider moves along the tracks, the tapered geometry automatically guides the upper housing into proper alignment with the base, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or complex measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses geometric parameter changes through the tapered profiles to achieve alignment. The complementary tapered surfaces convert linear motion of the slider into precise angular and positional adjustments of the upper housing, achieving high alignment accuracy through geometric design rather than complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Adjustment apparatus for precision alignment between aircraft components are disclosed. An example adjustor assembly includes a base including a first track and an upper housing including a second track. A slider is movably coupled relative to the first track and the second track. An actuator moves the slider in a linear direction. Movement of the slider between a first position and a second position along the first track and the second track is to cause the upper housing to move between a first operating position and a second operating position relative to the base.