Auxiliary Mounting Structure for Additive Connection Part Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the aerospace industry, attaching connection parts to components manufactured using additive methods is inefficient due to the need for additional processes like drilling or riveting, which offsets the advantages of additive manufacturing, such as customized components and resource efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An additively manufactured auxiliary device with a device body and mounting elements that allow for the simple and cost-effective attachment of connection parts, using features like columns, recesses, spring elements, and clamping rings to secure the connection parts without additional modifications to the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connection parts are attached to components using conventional methods (drilling, riveting), then secure attachment is achieved, but additional effort and time are required, offsetting the advantages of additive manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary device is additively manufactured in advance with integrated mounting elements (protrusions, recesses, threading) that prepare the component for connection part attachment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for drilling, riveting, or other post-manufacturing modifications, achieving secure attachment while maintaining additive manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary device serves as an intermediary between the additively manufactured component and the connection part. It provides the necessary mounting features (protrusions, recesses, threading) that enable secure attachment of connection parts without requiring modifications to the original component, thus preserving the advantages of additive manufacturing while achieving reliable connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional connection parts and attachment processes are used, then functional requirements are met, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary device combines multiple functions into a single additively manufactured component: it provides structural support, integrates mounting elements for connection parts, and eliminates the need for separate attachment processes. By merging these functions, the solution meets functional requirements while reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary device is designed with universal mounting elements (protrusions, recesses, threading) that can accommodate various connection parts. This multi-functionality allows the same auxiliary device structure to serve different attachment needs, reducing the variety of specialized components required and simplifying the overall system.
3Reliability
If conventional attachment methods are used, then connection parts can be secured, but installation errors may occur and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary device is pre-manufactured with reversible mounting features (snap-fit protrusions, threaded connections, clamping mechanisms) that guide proper installation and prevent errors. These pre-prepared features ensure correct positioning and secure attachment while allowing easy removal and reinstallation for maintenance purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting elements incorporate dynamic characteristics such as elastic deformation (for snap-fit connections), threaded rotation (for adjustable tightening), or clamping mechanisms that allow easy installation and removal. This dynamic design enables secure attachment during operation while facilitating simple maintenance and replacement without permanent modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
An additively manufactured auxiliary device has a device body with a lower face, which is integrally connected to a component, and at least one mounting element, which projects from an upper face of the device body, wherein the at least one mounting element is arranged such that a contact face and at least one fastening element of the connection part can be attached to the device body such that the contact face of the connection part rests against the upper face of the device body in a planar manner, and such that each mounting element of the device body adjoins a fastening element of the connection part.