Collapsible Bellows Alignment Tool for Exhaust Conduit Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for aligning exhaust system components require manual measurement and are not efficient in ensuring precise alignment, which can lead to bellows cracking and subsequent engine maintenance downtime.
Innovation Solution
A bellows installation tool comprising a spacer, inner and outer sleeves, and flanges that can be expanded and collapsed to facilitate precise alignment of conduit sections, allowing for easy installation and removal of bellows, reducing the likelihood of cracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement tools are used to align exhaust system components, then the alignment precision can be evaluated, but the alignment process is time-consuming and not efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bellows installation tool as an intermediary device between the exhaust components and the bellows. This tool includes alignment features that mechanically ensure proper positioning, eliminating the need for manual measurement and evaluation while guaranteeing the required alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual measurement and evaluation process with a mechanical alignment system. The bellows installation tool incorporates built-in alignment features that automatically position components correctly through mechanical means, substituting the time-consuming manual measurement process with a faster mechanical positioning system.
2Reliability
If high precision alignment is required to prevent bellows cracking, then the reliability of the bellows installation is improved, but the complexity of the installation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows installation tool serves as an intermediary that simplifies the installation process while ensuring high precision alignment. By incorporating alignment features directly into the tool, it maintains reliability without requiring complex external alignment equipment or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows installation tool is designed to be self-aligning through its integrated alignment features. The tool automatically positions exhaust components correctly without requiring complex external alignment equipment or multiple adjustment steps, thereby maintaining high reliability while reducing installation complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid alignment tool is used to ensure precise positioning, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation and installation/removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows installation tool incorporates a collapsible structure that transitions between an expanded state for alignment and a collapsed state for removal. This dynamic design allows the tool to maintain rigid positioning accuracy during alignment while becoming flexible and easy to remove after installation, resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool features nested components that allow the structure to collapse into a compact form. The collapsible design enables the tool to maintain its rigid alignment structure during use, then nest down for easy removal and storage, improving operability without sacrificing positioning accuracy during the alignment phase.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for aligning different portions of a conduit includes adjustably holding a first portion of a conduit in a first position, adjustably holding a second portion of a conduit in a second position relative to the first position of the first portion of the conduit, and inserting a bellows installation tool between the first portion of the conduit and the second portion of the conduit.