Elliptical Sleeve Fastener for Single-Sided Misalignment Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems in the aeronautical sector struggle with misalignment issues, inability to control load transmission, and require access from both sides during assembly and dismantling, leading to complex and inefficient connections.
Innovation Solution
A connection system with a threaded bolt and a sleeve having a tapered outer surface transitioning from an elliptic to circular cross-section, allowing misaligned holes to be aligned and facilitating assembly and dismantling, while transferring loads through a fastening element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a threaded bolt connection is used, then the connection can be dismantled, but the elements must be precisely aligned and both sides must be accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve's cross-sectional shape changes along its length, transitioning from elliptical at the rear to circular at the front. This parameter change allows the sleeve to be inserted through misaligned holes in elliptical form, then transform to a circular shape that aligns and centers the connected elements, resolving both the alignment precision and dismantling accessibility requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary element between the threaded bolt and the elements to be connected. It receives the misaligned holes, transforms their relative positions through its shape transition, and outputs aligned holes, thereby mediating the alignment problem while allowing single-sided access for assembly and dismantling
2Ease of manufacture
If a clearance fit connection is used, then assembly is simpler, but load transfer is poor due to loose fit
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve performs preliminary alignment action during insertion, forcing the holes into correct relative positions before the threaded bolt is fully assembled. This preliminary alignment ensures that subsequent load transfer occurs through properly positioned elements, maintaining both assembly simplicity and load transfer strength
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve's cross-sectional geometry changes from elliptical to circular along its length, creating a progressive alignment effect that guides misaligned holes into proper registration, thereby enabling simple assembly while ensuring strong load transfer through accurate positioning
3Productivity
If misaligned holes are connected directly, then assembly is faster, but alignment errors cause assembly difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve's varying cross-sectional shape (elliptical to circular) accommodates misaligned holes during rapid insertion, then automatically corrects the alignment as it progresses, enabling both fast assembly and proper alignment without requiring pre-alignment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve serves as a mediator that accepts misaligned input from the holes and produces aligned output, allowing rapid assembly of misaligned elements while automatically correcting alignment errors through its shape-transforming action
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3E
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection system for connection between a front element (1) and a rear element (2), comprising a threaded bolt (4) with a rear portion (4.1) and a front portion (4.2), a sleeve (5) concentrically around the threaded bolt (4) which is tapered towards the rear portion (4.1) of the threaded bolt, a housing (7) for the sleeve (5), and a fastening element (6) configured to be threaded with the threaded bolt (4), characterized in that the sleeve (5) has a generally elliptical rear cross-section (5.3).