Fastener Selection Optimization for Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fastener selection methods fail to quickly and accurately identify the best combination of fastener components that maximize locking effect and minimize vibration in aircraft and automotive structures, leading to suboptimal structural integrity and increased vibration susceptibility.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system that processes fastener and hole insert data to determine the optimal combination providing maximum engagement and minimal extension, using global and local optimization techniques to select the best fastener and hole insert combinations based on design parameters and material properties, while considering washer thickness and constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastener selection methods are used, then the design process is simple, but the locking effect is insufficient and vibration is not minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously including fastener length, insert length, thread engagement percentage, and material properties to optimize the locking effect. By systematically varying these parameters and evaluating their combined impact on vibration and locking performance, the system identifies optimal fastener configurations that traditional methods cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations and evaluations of multiple fastener configurations before final selection. It pre-computes thread engagement percentages, overlap measurements, and vibration characteristics for various fastener-insert combinations, allowing designers to make informed decisions without extensive trial-and-error testing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If more fastener combinations are evaluated to find the optimal solution, then vibration is minimized, but the selection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual fastener selection and physical testing with automated computer-based calculations and simulations. It uses software to rapidly evaluate numerous fastener configurations, compute engagement metrics, and predict vibration characteristics, eliminating the time-consuming nature of traditional trial-and-error methods while minimizing vibration through optimized selections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system efficiently evaluates multiple parameters including fastener length, insert length, thread pitch, material properties, and engagement percentages simultaneously. By systematically varying these parameters and using computational algorithms to assess their impact on vibration, the system identifies optimal configurations quickly without requiring extensive physical prototyping or testing.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the fastener engagement is maximized to reduce vibration, then the fastener life is extended, but the weight of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the balance between engagement length and weight by systematically evaluating different fastener and insert length combinations. It calculates the minimum engagement required to achieve adequate vibration reduction and locking effect, then selects the lightest fastener configuration that meets these performance criteria, avoiding unnecessary weight from excessive engagement lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different engagement levels and fastener configurations to specific locations based on local requirements. Rather than using uniform over-engineered fasteners throughout, it tailors the engagement length and fastener properties to the specific vibration and load requirements of each application, minimizing weight while ensuring adequate fastener life and vibration control where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for a computer implemented tool for designing fasteners to satisfy design rules and optimize the engagement between the locking insert of the bolt and the insert threads to achieve the best solution which has maximum engagement or friction, minimum vibration and weight.