Eccentric Bushing Clamp Assembly for Fast Tube Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamp systems face challenges in aligning multiple clamps due to variations in tube dimensions and support structure positioning, requiring time-consuming match drilling and potentially introducing foreign object debris.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable clamp system with a base and clamp assembly featuring eccentric bushings and serrations, allowing for adjustable distance, bore size, and lateral position, enabling secure coupling without pre-drilled holes and reducing assembly time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional clamp systems are used with fixed positioning, then alignment of multiple clamps is required, but this increases assembly time and introduces foreign object debris risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assembly incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the clamp to be moved along the tube to various positions. This adjustability eliminates the need for precise pre-drilled hole alignment, as the clamp can be positioned anywhere within its adjustment range, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp assembly transitions from a fixed position design to a dynamically adjustable position design. The ability to move and reposition the clamp assembly along the tube allows for flexible positioning without requiring precise pre-alignment of multiple clamps, reducing assembly complexity and time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If match drilling is performed for precise alignment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but foreign object debris is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidforeign object debris

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assembly is designed with pre-established adjustment mechanisms and positioning features that allow for precise positioning without requiring match drilling. The adjustable nature of the clamp enables it to be positioned accurately through mechanical adjustment rather than through drilling operations, thereby eliminating the source of foreign object debris

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical drilling and fastening system with an adjustable mechanical positioning system. Instead of using drills to create precise alignment holes, the clamp assembly uses adjustable positioning mechanisms that achieve precise positioning through mechanical adjustment, eliminating the harmful drilling process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable mechanisms are added to the clamp system, then adaptability to varying tube dimensions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assembly incorporates nested adjustable mechanisms where smaller adjustment components are integrated within the larger clamp structure. This nesting approach allows for multiple adjustment capabilities (positioning, orientation, etc.) to be achieved through compact, integrated mechanisms rather than separate complex systems, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 adjustable clamp system efficiently accommodates varying tube dimensions and support structure features, reducing assembly time and foreign object debris risk while maintaining secure tube positioning.

Implementation Method 1

a first eccentric bushing coupling the first flange of the clamp assembly to the first clamp-support portion of the base. The first eccentric bushing is rotatable relative to the first flange to translate the clamp assembly in a first direction relative to the base and adjust a distance between the clamp and the anchor portion of the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentUS11719363B2Adjustable clamp systems

Publication Date: 2023.08.08 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

In an example, an adjustable clamp system includes a base, a clamp assembly, and a first eccentric bushing. The base includes an anchor portion configured to couple the base to a support structure, a first clamp-support portion extending from the anchor portion, and a second clamp-support portion extending from the anchor portion. The clamp assembly includes a clamp defining a bore, a first flange extending from a first side of the clamp and coupled to the first clamp-support portion, and a second flange extending from a second side of the clamp and coupled to the second clamp-support portion. The first eccentric bushing couples the first flange to the first clamp-support portion. The first eccentric bushing is rotatable relative to the first flange to translate the clamp assembly in a first direction relative to the base and adjust a distance between the clamp and the anchor portion of the base.