Bi-Adjustable Coupling Interface for Tolerance-Aligned Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The coupling of constructional parts in assemblies, such as aircraft constructions, often faces challenges due to constructional variances leading to unstable connections, misalignments, and hindered automation in the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A connection interface comprising a connector and an aligner that adjusts in multiple spatial directions, using alignment elements and a measuring device to align building components with support structures, allowing for tolerance compensation and automated assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated joint is used to couple constructional parts, then stable connection is achieved, but mounting time increases and automation is hampered
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into separate functional elements: a connector component and an aligner component. The aligner handles alignment adjustments while the connector provides secure fastening, allowing independent optimization of each function and enabling automated alignment procedures before final connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The aligner acts as an intermediary element between the constructional parts and the connector. It provides the necessary alignment adjustments and transfers the aligned position to the connector, enabling automated alignment processes while maintaining connection stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If alignment adjustments are made to compensate constructional variances, then alignment accuracy improves, but assembly process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aligner is designed to self-adjust to constructional variances through its bi-adjustable mechanism. It automatically compensates for misalignments between mounting points without requiring complex external adjustment procedures, thereby improving alignment accuracy while keeping the assembly process relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The aligner provides adjustment capabilities in multiple spatial directions (bi-adjustable), allowing it to compensate for various constructional variances by changing its geometric parameters. This enables high alignment accuracy while maintaining a relatively simple device structure through straightforward mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection interface is used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to geometric differences decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface transitions from a purely rigid structure to a semi-dynamic system. The aligner incorporates adjustable elements that can adapt to geometric differences during assembly, while the connector maintains structural stability once connected. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the interface to accommodate various mounting point configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the aligner component with adjustable capabilities and the connector component with stable fastening functions into a single integrated connection interface. This combination allows the interface to simultaneously provide adaptability to geometric differences through the aligner and structural stability through the connector.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection interface for mounting a building component to a support structure. The connection interface comprises at least one connector and at least one aligner. The connector comprises: a primary fastening region at a first end configured to be fastened to one of a first plurality of mounting points at the support structure and a secondary fastening region at a second end configured to be fastened to one of a second plurality of mounting points at the building component. The aligner is arranged between the first end and the second end; and wherein the aligner is configured to align the connector in an oriented manner according to an alignment value for bringing the building component and the support structure in an alignment arrangement. The aligner provides an adjustment in at least two spatial directions.