Cam-Locked Quick-Release Joint for Thread-Free Rotor Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing joint connectors in rotor systems of helicopters face challenges with thread damage during repeated disassembly and assembly, leading to reliability and safety issues, especially in folding and fast air transport scenarios, where the complex process and long production cycle complicate the protection of threads.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release connection device comprising a main load-bearing structural rod, a safety pin, a cam handle, a spring piece, and a clamping piece, which allows for thread-free mounting and dismounting by rotating the cam handle to achieve a locking connection using a safety pin, ensuring reliability and rigidity through the combination of spring and clamping pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If forged bolts with threads are used for joint connections, then connection strength can be achieved, but thread damage occurs during repeated disassembly and assembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the threaded connection structure from the joint connector, replacing it with a cam-based locking mechanism. This removes the vulnerable thread portion that is prone to damage during repeated assembly and disassembly operations, thereby solving the contradiction between maintaining connection strength and preventing thread damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cam handle and clamping piece structure that can be easily replaced if damaged, rather than protecting the threads of expensive forged bolts. The cam mechanism and clamping pieces are designed to be replaceable components, making the system more resilient to wear and damage during frequent operations.
2Reliability
If forged bolts are used requiring thread protection measures, then connection reliability can be maintained, but manufacturing process becomes complex and production cycle lengthens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threaded connection structure entirely, eliminating the need for complex thread protection processes such as shot peening. The replacement cam-based mechanism uses simpler manufacturing processes for the cam handle and clamping pieces, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical connection system with a cam-based locking system. This substitution eliminates the need for thread protection measures and complex machining processes, simplifying the manufacturing workflow while achieving reliable connections through the cam's mechanical locking action.
3Strength
If forged bolts are used for rotor system connections, then load-bearing capacity is achieved, but frequent disassembly and assembly operations become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic cam handle mechanism that enables quick transformation between locked and unlocked states. The cam's rotational movement dynamically changes the clamping force, allowing rapid assembly and disassembly operations while maintaining strong load-bearing capacity when locked, thus solving the contradiction between strength and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connection system into distinct functional components: the main load-bearing structural rod, the cam handle for operation, and the clamping piece for locking. This segmentation allows the load-bearing function to be separated from the operational function, enabling frequent easy operations on the cam mechanism while the structural rod maintains load-bearing capacity.
4Reliability
If thread protection measures are added to forged bolts, then thread damage can be prevented, but production cycle becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the threaded structure that requires protection, replacing it with a cam-based locking mechanism. This eliminates the need for time-consuming thread protection processes like shot peening, thereby shortening the production cycle while maintaining connection durability through the cam's locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent accepts that the cam handle and clamping pieces may wear over time but designs them to be inexpensive and easily replaceable, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming thread protection processes on expensive forged bolts. This approach improves productivity by removing complex manufacturing steps.
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 device simplifies operations with quick-release and quick-mount capabilities, has a long service life, and maintains connection reliability and structural rigidity, suitable for industrial manufacturing and practical use in aerospace applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first end of the spring piece is fixedly connected with the cam handle, and a second end of the spring piece is provided with an insertion hole, such that the spring piece is configured to be sleeved on the free end of the main load-bearing structural rod assembly
Implementation Method 2
a cam handle; a first end of the spring piece is fixedly connected with the cam handle
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-release connection device includes a main load-bearing structural rod, a safety pin, a cam handle, a spring piece and a clamping piece. A free end of the structural rod is provided with a pin hole for insertion of the pin. The cam handle is connected to an end opposite to the free end. One end of the spring piece is connected to the cam handle, and the other end is provided with an insertion hole such that it can be sleeved on the free end, and limited by the pin to form locking connection with the structural rod. One end of the clamping piece is connected to the cam handle or spring piece, and the other end is provided with an opening such that it can be sleeved on the free end, and can be limited by the spring piece to form locking connection with the structural rod.