Annular Gland Ring Mounting System for Fixture Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for securing fixture plates to subplates are costly and labor-intensive due to the need for multiple fasteners and precise machining operations, which can weaken the receiver wall and increase installation time.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system that replaces traditional fasteners with an annular gland ring to secure the receiver bushing to the subplate, using a threaded annular gland ring to align and lock the receiver bushing axially within the mounting opening, eliminating the need for multiple fasteners and reducing machining complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multiple fasteners are used to secure the receiver bushing to the subplate, then the hold-down force and alignment are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fasteners into a single annular gland ring that secures the receiver bushing to the subplate. The gland ring integrates the fastening function of multiple separate fasteners into one unified component, reducing device complexity while maintaining the hold-down force through its annular structure that contacts the receiver bushing circumferentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular gland ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a fastener, provides alignment through its annular geometry, and delivers hold-down force through circumferential contact. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate alignment features and multiple fasteners, reducing overall device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple fasteners and precise machining operations are used, then the alignment precision is improved, but the installation time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The annular gland ring is pre-configured with its alignment geometry and fastening features integrated into a single component. This preliminary integration of alignment and fastening functions eliminates the need for precise machining operations and alignment procedures during installation, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining alignment precision.
3Reliability
If multiple fasteners are drilled into the receiver wall, then the hold-down points are increased, but the receiver wall strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The annular gland ring consolidates multiple discrete fastener holes into a single annular contact surface. This merging of fastening points into a continuous ring structure provides multiple hold-down points circumferentially without creating discrete holes through the receiver wall, thereby maintaining receiver wall strength while still providing adequate hold-down force.
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 solution reduces installation costs and labor while maintaining alignment and hold-down force, providing a more efficient and cost-effective method for securing fixture plates to subplates without weakening the receiver wall.
Implementation Method 1
an annular gland ring having an outer diameter thread configured to threadingly engage an inside diameter thread in the peripheral surface of the associated mounting opening
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting and alignment system for selectively securing and accurately aligning a first plate relative to a second plate, the mounting system including a shank and a receiver arrangement with an annular locking ring and an annular receiver bushing. The bushing having an inner passage and an oppositely facing outer bushing surface. The outer bushing surface having at least one receiver bearing surface shaped to engage a bearing surface of an associated mounting opening in one of the plates to align the receiver bushing laterally within the opening. The inner passage of the bushing being shaped to receive and align with a shaft portion of the shank. The locking ring configured to secure the bushing axially within the mounting opening.