Alignment Clamp Structure for Precise Rotational Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamps for connecting component ends lack a reliable alignment mechanism, leading to difficulties in ensuring the correct rotational position during assembly and disassembly, particularly in applications like turbocharger assembly, where precise angular positioning is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A clamp with an alignment structure that fits corresponding engagement structures on the component ends, distributing tension evenly and applying radial and axial forces, while minimizing stick-slip risk, and featuring adjustable sections and pins for robust engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional clamp without alignment structure is used, then the clamp construction is simple, but the clamp cannot ensure correct rotational positioning of component ends during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into functional sections: a web portion providing structural support, legs providing clamping force, and an alignment structure portion providing positioning functionality. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment structure (tab or pin) is pre-positioned on the clamp before assembly, and corresponding engagement structures are pre-positioned on the component ends. This preliminary positioning ensures that when assembly begins, the rotational alignment is already determined, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during assembly.
2Device complexity
If the alignment structure is arranged at the end of a section, then the space between sections accommodates the alignment structure making construction less complex, but the tension distribution may become uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment structure is specifically positioned at the end of a section where it can utilize the existing space between sections. This local positioning optimizes the use of available space while maintaining the overall structural integrity and tension distribution of the clamp.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment structure extends in a direction perpendicular to the main clamping force direction, utilizing the radial dimension of the clamp. This allows the alignment function to be integrated without interfering with the axial tension distribution, effectively using another dimension to resolve the spatial conflict.
3Reliability
If legs are distributed in spaced-apart sections, then the risk of stick-slip is reduced, but the clamp structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The legs are divided into multiple spaced-apart sections along the web, creating discrete contact zones. This segmentation prevents continuous contact that would cause stick-slip, while the spacing is optimized to maintain structural integrity without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous leg contact with the component ends, only discrete sections of the legs contact the components. This partial contact approach is sufficient to provide reliable clamping while eliminating the stick-slip phenomenon that occurs with continuous contact.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for connecting a first component end to a second component end is provided. The clamp includes a web extending between a first end and a second end, each end being provided with a connecting device for connecting said web ends to each other so that the clamp encloses the component ends. The clamp further includes an alignment structure, which alignment structure is configured to fit with corresponding engagement structures provided at the first component end and the second component end for circumferentially positioning the clamp relative to the component ends.