Dual-Eccentric Sleeve Assembly for Hole Misalignment and Angular Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-hole components face challenges in achieving precise angular alignment and maintaining preload due to potential misalignment and free-play issues, especially in applications requiring tight tolerances.

Innovation Solution

A dual-sleeve adjusting arrangement with eccentric apertures and opposing fingers allows for step-less angular adjustment and locking, using a friction fit mechanism to secure the sleeves in place, enabling precise angular positioning without requiring highly precise tolerances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If tight tolerances are used for hole alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehole alignment precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the aperture (making it elongated rather than circular) to accommodate misalignment. This parameter change allows the aperture to tolerate variations in hole positioning while maintaining proper bolt alignment, thus achieving tight effective tolerances without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances on the holes themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the aperture into an elongated shape with distinct directional properties. This segmentation allows different portions of the aperture to serve different functions: the elongated dimension accommodates misalignment while the perpendicular dimension maintains precise positioning, resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If over-sized bolt holes are manufactured to compensate for misalignment, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehole manufacturing easeVSAvoidangular alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of changing the size parameter of circular holes, the patent changes the shape parameter to an elongated aperture. This shape modification provides the necessary accommodation for misalignment in one direction while maintaining precise control in the perpendicular direction, thus achieving both ease of manufacture and angular alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If elongated slots are used for bolt insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebolt insertion easeVSAvoidangular positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the aperture shape to an elongated form that provides operational ease similar to slots, but maintains precision through careful dimensional control. The elongation provides clearance for misalignment and ease of bolt insertion, while the controlled dimensions in the perpendicular direction ensure precise angular positioning when the bolt is tightened.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If standard bolt connections are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to angular free-play

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection structure simplicityVSAvoidangular position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the aperture shape parameter to elongated, which fundamentally alters the connection behavior. This shape modification eliminates angular free-play by providing a geometric constraint that maintains precise angular positioning, while the overall connection structure remains simple and does not require additional complex components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 a reliable method for maintaining tight clearances and reducing free-play, allowing for precise angular adjustment and locking of position-sensitive components, such as in aircraft landing gear systems, and enabling retrofitting of parts with varying hole distances.

Implementation Method 1

the first sleeve is friction fit into the first aperture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12194585B2Systems and methods for multi-hole assemblies with angular adjustment and locking

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 GOODRICH CORP

AI summary

A dual-sleeve, locking adjustment arrangement includes a position-sensitive component comprising an aperture, an outer eccentric sleeve disposed in the aperture, and an inner eccentric sleeve disposed in the outer sleeve. Rotation of the outer sleeve with respect to the position-sensitive component and the inner sleeve drives rotation of the position-sensitive component to adjust an angular position of the component.