Fixture Separable Attachment Asymmetry Prevents Rocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixtures with three electrical connectors and two mechanical attachment systems, aligned on a common circular arc, face issues with axial efforts causing rocking of the mobile support plate during connection, due to higher stiffness at the end connectors, leading to imperfect assembly and separation in ammunition systems.
Innovation Solution
The separable attachment systems are offset from the circular arc and arranged in a triangular plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, with an axial abutment forming a parallel plane to the connectors, ensuring proper compression and preventing rocking, and an elastic attachment mechanism with a deformable spherical head and needle for controlled separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the mechanical attachment systems are aligned on the same circular arc as the electrical connectors, then the fixture occupies minimum volume and achieves compact design, but the axial efforts during clamping cause rocking of the mobile support plate due to higher stiffness at the end connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the two mechanical attachment systems at different radial distances from the longitudinal axis, rather than symmetrically on the same circular arc. Specifically, one attachment system is positioned at a first radial distance while the other is positioned at a second radial distance that is greater than the first. This asymmetric arrangement compensates for the higher stiffness at the end connectors, preventing rocking of the mobile support plate during clamping while maintaining compact fixture design.
2Strength
If the end connectors are made dimensionally bigger to handle higher stiffness, then the connection strength is improved, but the axial efforts required for connection increase causing rocking during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by positioning the mechanical attachment systems at different radial distances to create an asymmetric force distribution that counteracts the higher stiffness and axial efforts at the end connectors. The attachment system positioned at the greater radial distance provides a counterbalancing moment that prevents rocking during clamping, effectively compensating for the increased forces required to connect the dimensionally larger end connectors.
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
This configuration ensures secure connection and controlled separation of cylindrical components without rocking, maintaining the alignment of support plates and effectively managing the stiffness of sealing elements, enhancing the reliability of the assembly and separation process.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic attachment mechanism with a deformable spherical head and needle for controlled separation
Data Source
AI summary
The fixture intended for assembling two cylindrical components with a common longitudinal axis comprises two support plates attached respectively facing one another to the components at the periphery thereof, three electrical connectors, each in two parts, parallel to one another and aligned in a circular arc (AC) with respect to said longitudinal axis on said plates each of which bears the corresponding parts of the connectors, and, between the three connectors and parallel thereto, two separable-attachment systems fixedly connecting said plates by locking said parts of the connectors. Advantageously, the two separable-attachment systems are positioned offset from said circular arc (AC), on the inside thereof, and in projection perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, and lie in the triangular plane formed by the three electrical connectors aligned in a circular arc.