Ridged Bushing Assembly for Wobble-Free Tubular Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for connecting tubular elements to mounting structures often result in insecure and wobbly assemblies, failing to provide a stable connection.
Innovation Solution
A bushing assembly with projections that extend from a body edge, featuring inner and outer ridges for enhanced friction, allowing secure attachment of tubular structures to mounting structures through a compressive mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connection systems are used to attach tubular elements to mounting structures, then the assembly process is simple, but the connection stability and security are poor resulting in wobbly assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a body portion for insertion, multiple projections extending from the body with inner surfaces contacting the tubular structure, and outer surfaces contacting the mounting structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving stable connection through distributed contact points rather than a single connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The projections are designed with differentiated local qualities: inner surfaces with specific friction characteristics for contacting the tubular structure, outer surfaces for contacting the mounting structure, and ridges at specific locations to enhance friction and prevent rotation. This local quality differentiation ensures optimal contact and friction at each interface, improving connection reliability.
2Reliability
If a secure connection is achieved through compression and friction, then connection stability improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing assembly utilizes parameter changes through compression: the projections are designed to deform elastically when compressed between the tubular structure and mounting structure. This compression transforms the geometric parameters of the projections, allowing them to conform to slight variations in manufacturing tolerances while maintaining secure contact through increased friction force.
Solution Approach 2:
The projections incorporate ridges that extend partially along their length, creating zones of enhanced friction before the full compression force is applied. This beforehand cushioning effect allows the ridges to engage first and prevent rotation or misalignment, accommodating manufacturing variations before the full compressive load is transferred.
3Reliability
If the bushing assembly uses surface features to increase friction, then holding security improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of complex surface treatments across the entire projection, the invention applies simple ridge features only at specific critical locations where friction is most needed. The ridges extend partially along the inner and outer surfaces of projections, providing localized friction enhancement at contact points while leaving other areas smooth for easier manufacturing and assembly.
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 bushing assembly provides a secure and stable connection by compressing onto the tubular structure, forming a ridged structure that prevents wobbling and ensures a tight fit within the mounting structure.
Implementation Method 1
The bushing assembly having an uncompressed state wherein the distal ends of the projections are at a first distance from each other and a compressed state wherein the distal ends of the projections are at a second distance from each other
Implementation Method 2
The surface features on the inner surface may be used to improve the friction between the projections and the tubular structure and to provide further ability of securely holding the tubular structure
Data Source
AI summary
A bushing assembly for tubular structures is disclosed. The bushing assembly includes a body having a substantially flat configuration and defining a planar surface and an outer edge; and a plurality of projections extending from the outer edge and traverse to the planar surface, each projection defining a longitudinal axis, each projection including at least one ridge extending at least partially along a surface of the projection and along the longitudinal axis.