Aircraft Support Link Barrel Nut for In-Place Length Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable support links for aircraft have limitations in achieving shorter lengths due to their threading configuration, requiring disconnection for length adjustment and often leading to misalignment of rod ends, which restricts their use in smaller applications and increases installation time.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a barrel nut with oppositely threaded first and second rod ends, allowing for length adjustment without disconnection and maintaining alignment, achieved by the first shaft extending into the barrel nut's channel, enabling radial overlap and infinite adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional threading configuration is used for adjustable support links, then length adjustment is possible, but disconnection is required for adjustment and misalignment of rod ends occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment mechanism with the connection function into a single integrated assembly. The barrel nut with oppositely directed threads on its opposite ends allows both connection and length adjustment to be performed without disconnection, merging these two functions into one operational unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The support link transitions from a static fixed-length component to a dynamic adjustable-length component. The barrel nut mechanism enables continuous length adjustment while maintaining connection, allowing the support link to adapt its length dynamically without requiring disconnection and reconnection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adjustable support links are used, then length can be changed, but rod ends become misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel nut features asymmetric threading with oppositely directed threads on its opposite ends. This asymmetric configuration ensures that when the barrel nut rotates, both rod ends move symmetrically in opposite directions, maintaining their alignment while enabling length adjustment.
3Length of moving object
If smaller support link lengths are achieved, then compact applications are enabled, but traditional configurations cannot achieve sufficient shortening
Solution Approach 1:
The first rod end is positioned within the barrel nut structure, creating a nested configuration. This nesting allows the support link to achieve shorter overall lengths by utilizing the internal space of the barrel nut, enabling compact applications that were previously impossible with traditional configurations.
4Ease of manufacture
If disconnection is required for length adjustment, then traditional mechanisms work, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel nut mechanism allows the support link to be adjusted in-situ without requiring disconnection from the components it connects. The operator can directly rotate the barrel nut to adjust the length, and the mechanism self-regulates the positioning of both rod ends simultaneously, eliminating the need for complex disconnection and reconnection procedures.
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 configuration allows for shorter lengths, reduces installation time by enabling adjustments while loaded, and ensures rod end alignment, making the support links suitable for smaller applications and more efficient in compact environments.
Implementation Method 1
The barrel nut has second external threads engaged with the first internal threads of the second rod end. The channel has second internal threads engaged with the first external threads of the first rod end, such that rotation of the barrel nut in a first direction causes the first and second rod ends to move toward each other
Data Source
AI summary
Adjustable support links for aircraft are disclosed herein. An adjustable support link includes a first rod end including a first shaft with first external threads, a second rod end including a second shaft with a bore having first internal threads, and a barrel nut at least partially disposed in the bore of the second rod end. The barrel nut has second external threads engaged with the first internal threads. The barrel nut having a channel. The first shaft is at least partially disposed in the channel. The channel has second internal threads engaged with the first external threads of the first rod end, such that rotation of the barrel nut in a first direction causes the first and second rod ends to move toward each other and rotation of the barrel nut in a second direction causes the first and second rod ends to move away from each other.