Deformable Double Eccentric Ring Assembly for Aircraft Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assemblies using eccentric rings for connecting aircraft structures face issues with radial load transfer, leading to wear, noise, and misalignment due to radial air gaps, which compromise the stability and efficiency of the connection.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly featuring a deformable eccentric ring and an insert with metal tubes, where the eccentric ring is threaded onto the insert, and compression elements are used to fill mechanical clearances and maintain alignment, utilizing a deformable material like an elastomer to compensate for misalignment and enhance load transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two eccentric rings are used for connecting structures, then misalignment between bores can be compensated, but radial air gaps are created which limit radial load transfer
Solution Approach 1:
A deformable material ring is introduced as an intermediary element between the two eccentric rings. This mediator fills the radial air gaps while allowing the eccentric rings to maintain their misalignment compensation function. The deformable material acts as a bridge that transmits radial loads effectively without constraining the rotational adjustment capability of the eccentric rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the material between eccentric rings is changed from gaseous (air gap) to deformable solid material. This parameter change enables the material to conform to the varying radial distances created by eccentric ring rotation, maintaining continuous contact and effective load transfer while accommodating misalignment compensation.
2Ease of operation
If two eccentric rings are used for connecting structures, then double rotation during assembly is enabled, but wear, shocks and noise are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable material ring is installed beforehand between the eccentric rings to provide cushioning during the assembly process. This pre-positioned cushioning element absorbs shocks and reduces impacts that would otherwise occur during the double rotation assembly operation, thereby minimizing wear and noise generation while maintaining assembly flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable material serves as a mediator that reduces harmful interactions between the eccentric rings during rotation. By providing a compliant interface, it minimizes direct metal-to-metal contact, thereby reducing wear, shocks and noise while allowing the necessary rotational movements for assembly.
3Ease of operation
If radial air gaps exist between eccentric rings, then rotation during assembly is facilitated, but connection stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The material state is changed from compressible gas (air) to incompressible deformable solid, which eliminates the radial gaps while maintaining the ability to accommodate rotational movement. The deformable material deforms elastically during rotation and then maintains stable contact, providing both assembly flexibility and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable material ring acts as an intermediary that eliminates air gaps while preserving rotational capability. It maintains continuous physical contact between the eccentric rings, ensuring connection stability, while its deformability allows the necessary rotation during assembly operations.
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
This solution effectively reduces vibrations, wear, and noise while optimizing the transfer of radial loads between structures, facilitating easier assembly and maintaining structural integrity, particularly beneficial for aircraft components.
Implementation Method 1
an eccentric ring, made of deformable material, of generally cylindrical or frustoconical shape, arranged to be housed in a through opening of the other structure... the eccentric ring being dimensioned to have a compressed shape when the two compression elements are held in the bearing position on the bearing surfaces
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting assembly (10) between two structures (130, 150), the assembly (10) comprising an assembly of two eccentric rings (100, 110), one of which, outer (110), is threaded onto the other (100), taking the form of an insert, a bore of the inner ring (100) being arranged for fixing to one (150) of the structures (130, 150) by means of a fixing element (160, 161), and the outer ring being housed and held in a through opening (132) of the other structure (130), at least one of the eccentric rings (100, 110) being made of a deformable material, so as to compensate for at least one play when it is compressed by two retaining and compression elements (140, 142) during assembly.Advantageously, it is thus possible to benefit from a mechanical play facilitating assembly and to eliminate this play during a tightening operation of the fixing element to improve a transfer of loads between the two structures (130, 150).