Bushing Insertion Assembly for Precise Housing Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for inserting bushings into housing openings defined by structural members are inefficient, lacking a systematic approach to ensure precise placement and secure fixation, which can lead to misalignment and improper support of rotating shafts.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a brace assembly, an actuator assembly, and a drive plate that uses a brace rod, anchor member, and brace nut to displace the bushing assembly into the housing opening, with the anchor edge surface engaging the structural member and the drive plate recess engaging the bushing assembly to prevent further displacement once in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional pressing methods are used to insert bushings into housing openings, then the process is simple, but the placement precision and secure fixation cannot be ensured, leading to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebushing placement precisionVSAvoidinsertion system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion system is divided into distinct functional modules: a brace assembly with anchor member for positioning, a drive assembly for applying pressing force, and a drive plate for force transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve precise bushing insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor member is预先 positioned within the housing opening before the bushing insertion process begins. This preliminary positioning establishes a reference point that guides the bushing into correct alignment during the pressing operation, ensuring precise placement without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If a systematic insertion approach is implemented to ensure precise placement, then placement precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebushing insertion precisionVSAvoidinsertion system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive plate serves as an intermediary component between the drive assembly and the bushing. It transmits the pressing force from the drive assembly to the bushing while maintaining alignment through its geometric relationship with both components. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall system by providing a straightforward mechanical interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed so that the anchor member, drive plate, and bushing work together in a coordinated manner where forces and movements are balanced. The anchor member provides a stable reference point, and the drive plate ensures uniform force distribution, creating an equipotential state that facilitates precise insertion without requiring complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Reliability

If the bushing is pressed into the housing opening without proper fixation mechanisms, then the insertion process is faster, but misalignment and improper support occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebushing fixation reliabilityVSAvoidbushing insertion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor member is预先 installed in the housing opening to prevent misalignment and improper support of the bushing during insertion. By establishing this reference structure in advance, the system proactively counteracts potential alignment issues before they occur, ensuring reliable fixation while maintaining efficient insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The drive plate is designed to automatically self-align with the anchor member and bushing during the pressing operation. The geometric constraints and mating features ensure that the drive plate naturally positions itself to apply force at the correct location, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms or manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240084855A1Bushing insertion systems and methods
Publication Date: 2024.03.14 TIGER TOOL INT INC
  • US20240084855A1 patent drawing
  • US20240084855A1 patent drawing
  • US20240084855A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An insertion system for inserting a bushing assembly defining first and second end configurations into a housing opening defined by a structural member comprises a brace assembly, an actuator assembly, and a drive plate. The brace assembly comprises a brace rod, an anchor member defining an anchor edge surface and a spacing portion, and a brace nut. The actuator assembly comprises an actuator housing and a drive member. Displacement of the drive member causes displacement of the bushing assembly through the drive plate such that the anchor edge surface acts on the structural member and the drive plate displaces the bushing assembly into the housing opening towards the anchor member. The spacing portion of the anchor member is configured to engage the second end configuration of the bushing assembly to prevent further displacement of the bushing assembly when the bushing assembly is in a desired position.