Aircraft Cowl Pivot Joint for Single-Sided Assembly and Lower Mass
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivoting connection devices for aircraft cowls require accessibility to both sides for assembly, increasing complexity and mass due to the presence of a cylindrical rod extending over the entire length.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting connection device with a cylindrical axle that can expand radially, allowing assembly from a single side, and featuring a threaded cylindrical rod, insert, and nut configuration that reduces mass by eliminating the need for a cylindrical rod over the entire length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a cylindrical rod extends over the entire length of the pivoting connection device, then structural integrity is maintained, but the mass of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical rod is divided into two separate rod segments (first rod segment and second rod segment) that do not extend over the entire length. Each segment is positioned in a different hole, eliminating the need for a single continuous rod while maintaining structural integrity through distributed connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous cylindrical rod is extracted and replaced with discrete rod segments positioned only where needed. This removes the unnecessary mass of the full-length rod while preserving the essential connecting function through strategically placed segments.
2Manufacturing precision
If accessibility to both sides is required for assembly, then proper positioning of components is ensured, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device features asymmetric design where the first and second rod segments are positioned differently and serve different functions. This asymmetric arrangement allows assembly from one side only, as the components are configured to be inserted and positioned sequentially from a single access point rather than requiring simultaneous access to both sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod segments and corresponding holes are pre-configured in specific positions and orientations before assembly. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when components are assembled from one side, they automatically achieve proper positioning without requiring complex alignment procedures or access to both sides during the assembly process.
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 single-sided assembly and reduces the mass of the connection device while maintaining structural integrity and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a first portion of the cylindrical axle which is configured to expand radially and which comprises a first portion of the hole and which extends between the first end face and a first transverse plane, the first portion of the cylindrical axle having in the non-deformed state an outer diameter which is substantially equal to or less than the inner diameter of the holes in which it is received and, in the deformed state, an outer diameter which is greater than the inner diameter of at least one of the holes in which it is received
Data Source
AI summary
A pivoting connection device connecting at least two components and comprising an end fitting having first and second branches, an arm positioned between the first and second branches of the end fitting, a cylindrical axle connecting the end fitting and the arm and having, at one of the ends thereof, a first portion configured to expand radially, a cylindrical rod configured to be screwed into a tapped portion of the cylindrical axle, an insert fitted on the cylindrical rod and movable between a first position, in which the first portion is not expanded, and a second position, in which the first portion is expanded radially, and a nut configured to be screwed on the cylindrical rod to urge the insert into the second position.