Dual-Eccentric Sleeve Assembly for Precise Angular Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting multi-hole components face challenges with angular alignment and free-play due to misalignment of bolt axes and lack of precise tolerances, leading to potential preload issues during installation and service.
Innovation Solution
A dual-sleeve adjusting arrangement with eccentric apertures and rods allows for step-less angular adjustment and locking of position-sensitive components, using a friction-fit mechanism with adjustable apertures and relief cuts to maintain tight clearances and reduce free-play, enabling precise angular positioning without high precision tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tight tolerances are used to manufacture holes for alignment, then angular alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the mounting holes from circular to elongated slot shapes. This parameter change allows for tolerance compensation in the manufacturing process, enabling angular alignment without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances on hole positions and angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arrangement is segmented into multiple functional elements: elongated slots for positional adjustment, separate adjustment mechanisms for each hole position, and independent rotation capabilities. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
2Ease of operation
If over-sized bolt holes are manufactured to compensate for misalignment, then ease of assembly is improved, but angular precision deteriorates due to free-play
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable components within the elongated slots. The mounting component can be adjusted and locked at various positions along the slots, providing both ease of assembly and precise angular positioning. The system transitions from a static fixed-hole design to a dynamic adjustable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary adjustment mechanisms between the mounting component and the support structure. These intermediaries (such as adjustable connectors or positioning elements within the elongated slots) mediate between the rough alignment provided by oversized holes and the precise angular positioning required, eliminating free-play while maintaining ease of assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elongated slots are used for angular adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but stability deteriorates due to potential preload loss and free-play
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the form of adjustable and lockable connections within the elongated slots. The system allows for adjustment and then provides feedback through locking mechanisms that maintain the selected position, ensuring preload stability and preventing free-play during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action through pre-adjusted and pre-locked positions within the elongated slots. The mounting component can be preliminarily positioned along the slot, then secured with locking mechanisms before final assembly, ensuring that preload is maintained and free-play is prevented during service.
4Measurement precision
If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to achieve precise angular positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the elongated slot structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing positional adjustment, angular orientation, and mechanical guidance. The same structural element (the elongated slot) performs what would otherwise require multiple separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining positioning precision.
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 solution provides precise angular adjustment and locking of position-sensitive components, reducing free-play and allowing for retrofitting of parts with varying hole distances, ensuring stable performance in applications like aircraft landing gear systems.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the first sleeve with respect to the position-sensitive component and the second sleeve is configured to drive rotation of the position-sensitive component about the second centerline axis
Implementation Method 2
the first sleeve is friction fit into the first aperture
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A dual-sleeve, locking adjustment arrangement includes a position-sensitive component (120) comprising an aperture, an outer eccentric sleeve (130) disposed in the aperture, and an inner eccentric sleeve (140) disposed in the outer sleeve. Rotation of the outer sleeve (130) with respect to the position-sensitive component (120) and the inner sleeve (140) drives rotation of the position-sensitive component (120) to adjust an angular position of the component.