Connecting Rod Coupling With Tolerance-Compensating Channel Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for attaching components to aircraft fuselage structures struggle with manufacturing-related tolerances, requiring complex adjustments to achieve visually harmonious and rectilinear installations.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a first and second coupling element, featuring complementary channel structures and a radial cutout, allows for quick assembly and automatic tolerance compensation, using a closure body and securing element to secure the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional framework structures with fixed-length members are used, then manufacturing precision requirements are high, but device complexity and adjustment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into two separate coupling elements that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together. The first coupling element attaches to the fuselage structure while the second coupling element attaches to the connecting rod, allowing each segment to be optimized independently and compensating for manufacturing tolerances through the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device incorporates adjustable length capability through the relationship between the first and second coupling elements. The connecting rod can be positioned at different lengths relative to the fuselage structure, enabling dynamic adjustment to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and achieve proper alignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex adjustment mechanisms are used to compensate for tolerances, then manufacturing precision is improved, but mounting time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second coupling elements are designed with pre-configured channel structures that guide the assembly process. The complementary channel structures are预先 designed to mate together, automatically compensating for tolerances during the coupling process without requiring complex adjustments or measurements during mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device performs self-alignment through the complementary channel structures. When the first and second coupling elements are brought together, the channels automatically guide them into proper alignment, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms or skilled manual alignment during installation.
3Ease of operation
If simple coupling structures are used, then ease of operation is improved, but connection strength and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The second coupling element is inserted into the first coupling element, with the hollow-cylindrical portion of the second element receiving the elongate body of the first element. This nested arrangement creates a strong mechanical connection while maintaining a compact structure that is relatively simple to assemble and disassemble.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow-cylindrical portion of the second coupling element provides a curved, recessive surface that receives the elongate body of the first coupling element. This curved geometry distributes loads effectively and creates a robust mechanical connection that can bear high loads while remaining simple in form.
4Strength
If permanent fastening methods are used, then connection strength is improved, but ease of repair and disassembly decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device uses reversible mechanical fastening elements including the closure body that can be inserted or removed, and the securing element that can be engaged or disengaged. These dynamic fastening mechanisms maintain strong connections during operation but allow for easy disassembly when maintenance or repair is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is divided into separate, removable components including the closure body and securing element. These segmented fastening elements can be independently manipulated to secure or release the connection between the first and second coupling elements, enabling easy repair without damaging the main coupling structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting rod coupling device for attaching a component to an aircraft fuselage and/or stiffening the fuselage has a first coupler, and a second coupler couplable to the first coupler. The first coupler has an elongate body with a first channel on a lateral surface along a first longitudinal axis. The second coupler has a hollow-cylindrical portion, which, on an inner face along a second longitudinal axis, has a second channel complementing the first channel. The hollow-cylindrical portion has a radial cutout through which the elongate body is radially insertable into the second channel from outside the hollow-cylindrical portion. The second coupler has a closure body, which closes the radial cutout, and can be positioned removably in the cutout to complete the second channel on a radially internal face. The second coupler also has an element, pushable onto the hollow-cylindrical portion to secure the closure body on the hollow-cylindrical portion.