Bolted Clevis Ring Seal for Zero-Play Vibration Damping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices in the aeronautical field, such as those using clevis and bushings, fail to effectively eliminate radial play between components, leading to vibrations and noise during aircraft operation.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device featuring a deformable ring with a hole through which the bolt passes, radially tightened against the bolt and axially between a washer and a cheek, providing radial expansion to fill gaps and eliminate the need for bushings, while allowing flexibility for adjustments in position and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid bushings are used to eliminate radial play, then radial clearance is reduced, but the device complexity increases and mounting becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bushings from the assembly entirely and replaces them with a deformable ring that directly fills the radial clearance between the rod and piercing, simplifying the device structure while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a deformable ring that changes its radial dimension in response to axial compression, transforming the parameter of radial clearance dynamically to eliminate gaps without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances
2Manufacturing precision
If bushings are compressed to eliminate radial play, then radial gaps are reduced, but axial space is consumed and mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the bushings entirely and uses a deformable ring that achieves radial play elimination through deformation rather than compression, simplifying the mounting process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent solves the radial clearance problem by applying force in the axial dimension, causing the deformable ring to expand radially, thus eliminating radial play without requiring radial adjustment or complex mounting procedures
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connections are used to eliminate clearance, then structural stability is improved, but vibration damping and noise reduction are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a deformable ring that can dynamically adjust its rigidity, providing structural stability when needed while absorbing vibrations and noise through its elastic deformation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a deformable ring made of elastomeric or polymeric material that combines the properties of rigidity for structural stability and elasticity for vibration damping and noise reduction
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
The deformable ring effectively dampens vibrations and noise by compressing axially and expanding radially, creating a firm link between components without clearance, reducing dynamic forces and allowing for small relative movements, thus enhancing the assembly's stability and noise reduction.
Implementation Method 1
a seal which, in the connection state, is fixed in the piercing of the coupling, the seal comprises a deformable ring provided with a hole that is passed through by the rod of the bolt, the ring being tightened radially against the rod of the bolt
Implementation Method 2
A better damping of vibrations and noise while the aircraft is in service can be expected
Data Source
AI summary
A device for fitting two components together by a clevis is improved by a seal including a deformable ring subjected to axial compression between one of the cheeks and a mobile washer which is brought closer to the cheek when a bolt passing through the clevis is tightened. This axial compression causes the rod to be clamped by the seal, eliminating all play and giving the assembly good cohesion while at the same time eliminating the transmission of vibration and noise.