Elastic Sleeve Adjustment for Precise Multi-Axis Part Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly technologies face challenges in accurately adjusting the relative position and orientation of parts due to manufacturing tolerances, leading to positioning deviations, especially in multi-axis machine assemblies and measuring devices.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment device comprising a first sleeve with a clearance and support parts, allowing for adjustable positioning and orientation between two parts through axial deformation, with an adjustment screw applying force parallel to the adjustment direction to lengthen or compress the sleeve, thereby modifying the distance between the parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bolted connections are used to connect parts, then the parts are securely fixed, but manufacturing tolerances accumulate and cause positioning deviations in multi-axis assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs elastic deformation of the sleeve as a parameter change mechanism. By allowing the sleeve to deform elastically in the adjustment direction under screw force, the system compensates for manufacturing tolerances and achieves precise relative positioning between parts without compromising connection stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustment devices are made rigid to maintain positioning accuracy, then positioning precision is improved, but the device becomes difficult to adjust and handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sleeve adjustable through elastic deformation. The sleeve transitions from a rigid state during positioning to a flexible state during adjustment, allowing easy modification of the relative position between parts while maintaining positioning accuracy when fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic properties of the sleeve are utilized to change its physical state between adjustable and fixed positions. The sleeve deforms elastically during adjustment and maintains its deformed state for precise positioning, enabling both ease of operation and positioning accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If the sleeve is made fully flexible to allow adjustment, then adjustability is improved, but rigidity and positioning stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating anisotropic mechanical properties in the sleeve. The sleeve is designed to be flexible only in the adjustment direction (axial flexibility) while maintaining high rigidity in radial directions through support parts, achieving both adjustability and positioning stability simultaneously.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple adjustment units are added to achieve precise positioning in multiple directions, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single adjustment unit that can achieve positioning in multiple directions. The sleeve with support parts provides both axial adjustment and radial stabilization, making one component perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate adjustment mechanisms.
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
Enables easy and precise adjustment of the relative position and orientation of parts, reducing undesired positioning deviations and simplifying assembly, maintenance, and repair by allowing targeted elastic deformation and maintaining sufficient rigidity in desired directions.
Implementation Method 1
By means of an adjustment screw (36) a force can be applied to the first sleeve (25) in order to lengthen or compress it in the respective adjustment direction R
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement (20) comprising a first part (21), a second part (22), and an adjustment device (23). The adjustment device (23) includes at least one adjustment unit (24) having a one first sleeve (25) extending in a respective adjustment direction (R) that is connected with the first part (21). At a free sleeve end (27) of the first sleeve (25) an abutment surface (28) is provided. The first sleeve (25) is arranged in a part cavity (26) of the first part (21) and includes a clearance (34) extending in circumferential direction between the first part (21) and the first sleeve (25). Adjacent to the clearance (34) at least one support part (35) is supported at the first part (21) radially to the adjustment direction (R). An adjustment screw (36) can apply a force to the first sleeve (25) to lengthen or compress it in the respective adjustment direction (R).