Centering Bolt Blade Structure for Low-Force Component Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bolts require a strong force to correct the position of a second component with respect to a first component, making the alignment process cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A bolt design featuring a flange part, a threaded part, a head part, and a centering part with a centering part body and multiple blades on its outer circumference, where the blades have an external-diameter increase portion with inclined surfaces to facilitate easier alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional bolt with a centering cone is used to correct the position of the second component, then the position correction function is achieved, but a strong force is required upon insertion which increases the difficulty of operation and risk of deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The centering part is divided into multiple blades (typically 3-6 blades) that are radially arranged around the central axis. Each blade can independently contact the inner wall of the second hole, distributing the centering force across multiple contact points. This segmentation reduces the force required on each individual contact point while achieving effective position correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade structure introduces a radial dimension to the force distribution. Instead of a single conical surface contacting the hole wall, multiple blades extend radially outward to contact the hole wall at different angular positions. This radial distribution of contact points reduces the concentrated force requirement and enables easier insertion.
2Ease of operation
If a truncated conical centering part is used, then position correction is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The centering part is segmented into multiple discrete blades rather than a single conical surface. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure by replacing a complex curved surface with multiple simple radial elements, making the design more straightforward while maintaining position correction functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Each blade is designed with specific local characteristics (width, length, curvature) optimized for its centering function. The blades can be made with uniform cross-sections or varying profiles depending on the specific centering requirements at different radial positions, allowing localized optimization without complicating the overall structure.
3Ease of operation
If a truncated conical centering part is used, then position correction is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the centering part into multiple blades with simple radial geometries reduces manufacturing precision requirements compared to forming a precise truncated conical surface. Each blade can be manufactured as a simple radial element, and the collective arrangement of multiple blades achieves the centering function without requiring high precision in each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The design parameters of the blades (such as width, length, and radial position) can be adjusted to optimize the centering performance. By changing these parameters, the centering part can be adapted to different hole sizes and misalignment conditions without requiring complex geometric forms, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 bolt allows for efficient correction of the second component's position relative to the first component with reduced force requirements, minimizing deformation risks and manufacturing complexities.
Implementation Method 1
a surface delimiting the hole of the second component comes into contact with a surface of the centering cone having a truncated conical shape. Then, the second component slides along the surface of the centering cone.
Data Source
AI summary
A bolt for joining a first component and a second component, the bolt being capable of correcting a position of the second component with respect to the first component is provided. A bolt is fitted in a first hole of a first component and in a second hole of a second component in order to join the first component and the second component. The bolt includes a flange part, a threaded part, a head part, and a centering part. The centering part has a centering part body, and a plurality of blades. Each blade has an external-diameter increase portion in which a distance from the axis to an outer edge gradually increases toward a direction opposite to a tightening rotation direction of the bolt, and a distance from the axis to the outer edge gradually increases along an axial direction toward the flange part.